Meow Mix

Starlet Marian Nixon with her pet leopard, Hollywood, 1925.

As I wind down writing my second book (!), I’m taking some time to go back through my files & to post some of the photos I had hoarded while writing Encyclopedia of the Exquisite. Perhaps you’ll remember the entry on Felines? Well, here are some photos of famous feline lovers, like Josephine Baker and Pola Negri, both mentioned in Encycopedia, as well as a slew of those who weren’t. Please enjoy! Meow, meow.

Pola Negri, 1963.

Phyllis Gordon, with her Kenyan cheetah in the 1930s.

Bette Davis with a feline friend.

Parisian cafe, circa 1930.

La Baker, 1930.

Josephine Baker and her pet cheetah in France, 1930.

Marchesa Luisa Casati in 1912 with her cheetah.

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5 Comments

  1. I am so excited for your second book. Please keep us posted on the publication date details. Also, these photos are great. I love J. Baker’s smile. She was so pretty and so brave leaving the US for France for a new better life. Although I would not be brave to keep a wild cat for a pet.

  2. wow these photos are WILD….
    H and & thoroughly enjoying.
    roaaaarrrrrr..

  3. Ana

     /  October 9, 2012

    I particularly like the fifth one… at the Parisian cafe, circa 1930. The woman & her feline friend look ready for an attack… they must be conversing with their dining party on politics.

    I’m with the others- have been looking forward to the 2nd book for quite some time! I’ve been trying to ration the first Encyclopedia, so I can simply savor it; it truly is one-of-a-kind!

    Take much care, and I hope your week has been lovely thus far!

    Sincerely.

  4. jessica

     /  October 11, 2012

    Amazing, no? What would I pay to see a Parisienne walk into, say, Cafe La Palette with a leopard? Love it!
    And thank you so much for your kind encouragement for book 2…which still needs a title. (That seems to be the hard part, actually.)
    Thanks for writing, Ana.
    All my best,
    xJessica

  5. jessica

     /  October 11, 2012

    Thank you so much for your kind words, my enchanting butterfly friend!
    Josephine Baker is a real favorite of mine. It’s so perfect that image of her walking her wild cat with such nonchalance.
    All my best to you,
    Jessica

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