Cat Jeoffry

Cat Jeoffry is a self-contained passage from Christopher Smart’s eccentric 18th century masterpiece Jubilate Agno (Rejoice in the Lamb) and the most famous piece of poetry ever written about a cat. Poignantly, Jeoffry was Smart’s companion during his lengthy confinement for mental illness. His close and affectionate observations of the cat’s antics both entertained him and inspired his moving religious celebration. Often anthologised, this passage brims over with the prankish playfulness and sudden ferocity of one of the literary world’s most famous cats. Quirky, realistic, affectionate, it is at the same time a remarkable spiritual meditation. This new edition contains a commentary and notes by Tom Woodman. Peter Hay’s characteristic black and white illustrations rampage through the book.