[Heavylove]

Sorry if this is asked in one of the burried threads I havent found...

But I am woundering if there is a 101 book on Cats somewhere, like caracters, lot of pictures, how cats were born, on the world wide phenomena etc. I would love to have such a book as night reading...

[Rumblepurr]

I am not sure what you are precisely looking for, but here is a few...

The autobiography of Webber has some things about the background. One other thing that is good about this book is that he goes into the music. His commentary is not always complimentary...

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER: His Life and Works by Michael Walsh. - Hardbound

There are two books that cover the musical - identical in format but one covers the New London Performance (UK) while the other covers the Winter Garden Performance (US/Broadway). The only thing I did not like about the two is the poor quality of the production shots (for the most part).

CATS: The Book of the Musical (Harcourt Brace & Co.) - Broadway
CATS: The Book of the Musical (Faber & Faber & RUG) - London
Both are softbound

Background on how the Broadway production progressed from a male performer's viewpoint:

A CAT'S DIARY: How the Broadway Production of CATS Was Born
By Stephen Mo Hanan (Original Gus/BJ/Growltiger)
Softbound.

I am not sure where you can get world production information, so I shall let Belle steer you there.

Rumblepurr
The Writer Cat

[Heavylove]

Sounds like a good start I guess its some interesting material on the dvd as well?

[Rumblepurr]

The Ultimate Edition DVD does have bonus material from the creative team on the making of the video show, but also gives insight to the original performances. The interviews do provide some insight. For example, in "The Making of Cats", Gillian Lynne coaches Aeva May (Linda Brewer) on Macavity's dance number by giving her the concept that Macavity made Demeter feel so passionate and then caused her to hate him.

Rumblepurr
The Writer Cat.

[MungoShanks]

RumblePurr,
Where could I get the Book of The Musical on the London Production. I've looked everywhere, but have found nothing. I do Own the US version, and A CATS DIARY. Please give me info on the London BOTM. Thank you.
Also, Heavylove, the US Tour Programme has some good stuff Maybe you could get your hands on one

[Rumblepurr]

I had to go through AMAZON.COM.UK to get my copy. Google that, and then type in CATS: The Book of the Musical. Make sure it is the London version. When I checked, there were 6 used books. Of them 2 were very good condition - none new... If you have VISA or something of that nature, you can let them do the currency conversion.

I am not sure about A1BOOKS or MacKenzie Books, but look for the ones that are Faber & Faber for the London version.

Rumblepurr

[Peritombry]

I have the UK book of the musical and ex-Broadway-Gus' book. They're both worth getting.

[Yip1982]

It's true there isn't a dedicated book as of yet. However, the Jessica Sternfeld book The Megamusical has a marvellous chapter on Cats. I know it may be musicological but it's a readable chapter that examines the score on many levels.

[Peritombry]

There's a hardbacked / few years old book about ALW and there's a chapter on Cats in that but it's not very complimenntary. That annoyed me. >.<

[Rumblepurr]

I mentioned that book before.