Lords of the Housetops

'Lords of the Housetops' is a masterful anthology of thirteen stories dedicated to the enigmatic and regal nature of cats. Curated by the celebrated critic and novelist Carl Van Vechten, this collection brings together some of the finest literary voices to explore the mysterious world of the feline. From the graceful to the supernatural, the stories within depict the cat in its various roles as a companion, a hunter, and a silent observer of human folly.The collection features contributions from renowned authors such as Honoré de Balzac, Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, and Guy de Maupassant, each offering a unique perspective on the 'lordly' temperament of these animals. Whether portraying the domestic comfort of a fireside pet or the fierce independence of a rooftop prowler, the narratives delve into themes of loyalty, instinct, and the inexplicable bond between humans and animals. Van Vechten’s selection emphasizes the cat’s historical status as a creature of both myth and domesticity.This anthology remains a definitive work for lovers of feline fiction and classic literature alike. It serves as a testament to the enduring fascination that cats have held over the literary imagination, providing readers with a diverse array of tales that range from the humorous to the poignant. 'Lords of the Housetops' is a sophisticated exploration of animal character and a highlight of early 20th-century curated fiction.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.