Cats: Photographs 1942-2018

Name: Cats: Photographs 1942-2018
SKU: 9783836595315
Availability: InStock

EGP1,130.00

On a winter’s night in 1949 in New York City, young marketing student and budding photographer Walter Chandoha spotted a stray kitten in the snow, bundled it into his coat, and brought it home. Little did he know he had just met the muse that would determine the course of his life. Chandoha turned his lens on his new feline friend—which he named Loco—and was so inspired by the results that he started photographing kittens from a local shelter. These images marked the start of an extraordinary career that would span seven decades. Long before the Internet and #catsofinstagram, Chandoha was enrapturing the public with his fuzzy subjects. From advertisements to greetings cards, jigsaw puzzles to pet-food packaging, his images combined a genuine affection for the creatures, a strong work ethic, and flawless technique. Chandoha’s trademark glamorous lighting, which made each cat’s fur stand out in sharp relief, would define the visual vocabulary of animal portraiture for generations and inspire such masters as Andy Warhol, who took cues from Chandoha’s charming portraits in his illustrated cat book. Cats leaps into the archives of this genre-defining artist, spanning color studio and environmental portraits, black-and-white street photography, images from vintage cat shows, tender pictures that combine his children with cats and more. This is a fitting tribute not just to these beguiling creatures but also to a remarkable photographer who passed away in 2019 at the age of 98; and whose compassion can be felt in each and every frame.

SKU: 9783836595315 Categories: Books, E Fashion, English Books, Philosophy

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Cats: Photographs 1942-2018

Cats: Photographs 1942-2018 Book Description

Readers will fall in love with Cats: Photographs 1942-2018, a beautifully curated collection of Walter Chandoha’s feline images. This English volume is sold at Kalimat Bookstore Online and offers a warm, engaging experience for cat lovers and photography fans alike.

The story begins on a cold night in 1949 when a young marketing student found a stray kitten in New York snow. He tucked the tiny animal into his coat, named it Loco, and started photographing its curious antics. Soon he expanded his work to shelter kittens, sparking a seven‑decade career that pre‑dated the internet.

Chandoha’s style blended genuine affection with disciplined technique and glamorous lighting that made every fur strand pop. His images appeared on advertisements, greeting cards, puzzles, and pet‑food packaging, influencing generations of visual artists.

Meanwhile, the book showcases a diverse range of photos—from vibrant studio portraits to candid street shots, from vintage cat‑show scenes to tender moments with his children and cats. Each picture reflects his compassion, a quality that shines even after his passing in 2019 at age 98.

Key Features of Cats: Photographs 1942-2018

Fans of classic photography will appreciate the high‑quality reproductions that capture Chandoha’s signature lighting. Moreover, the volume includes rare archival material that reveals his creative process and the evolution of animal portraiture.

Additionally, the layout presents both color and black‑and‑white images, letting readers explore the contrast between studio control and spontaneous street moments. The collection also contains personal anecdotes that show the bond between the photographer and his subjects.

Furthermore, each section is organized chronologically, making it easy to follow Chandoha’s artistic growth from the 1940s through 2018. This structure helps readers understand how his work shaped, and was shaped by, cultural trends.

Why Read This Book?

The story behind the images adds depth to every photograph, turning a simple picture book into a compelling narrative. Readers can discover how a single kitten sparked a legacy that inspired icons like Andy Warhol, who borrowed Chandoha’s charming style for his own cat illustrations.

Because the book celebrates both the subjects and the artist, it appeals to a wide audience—cat enthusiasts, photography students, and anyone who enjoys visual storytelling. The gentle pacing and vivid visuals also make it an ideal coffee‑table addition.

Moreover, owning this volume connects you to a piece of photographic history. It preserves the timeless appeal of cats and the skill of a master who captured them for seven generations of admirers.