Learn about Dr Johnson’s cat Hodge and the role he played in the creation of the first great English dictionary. Robert Southey is best remembered today for a story about a little girl who meets 3 bears, yet his great passion was not bears, but cats. His pampered Rumpelstilzchen inspired a memoir. Edward Lear, author of The Owl and the Pussycat, was inspired by Foss, his cat who, with only half a tail, would never have won a beauty contest. Dickens was more of a dog man, yet was won over by a deaf kitten named Bob.

These are just some of the wonderful tales in this delightful work, which will appeal to anyone who loves cats and who also loves great writing.

Attend in person

Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential. Following the presentation Susannah will be signing books in the foyer from 7:00pm.

Watch online

The presentation will also be available online. Please make a booking and we will send you a direct link to the livestream event via email. Or you can join anytime through the Library's YouTube channel. 

Susannah Fullerton OAM FRSN is a leading authority on 19th and 20th-century writers with a special interest in Jane Austen. She brings to life the lives and writings of great writers in her fascinating round of entertaining talks and is Australia’s most requested leader of literary tours around the world. She has been president of the Jane Austen Society of Australia, the largest literary society in the country, for over 25 years.

Susannah Fullerton

She is also Patron of the Kipling Society of Australia, a founding member of the NSW Dickens Society and of the Australian Brontë Association. She is a Lady Patroness of the International Heyer Society.

Susannah’s other books include Jane Austen and Crime, Brief Encounters: Literary Travellers in Australia, A Dance with Jane Austen: How a Novelist and her Characters went to the Ball, Happily Ever After: Celebrating Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Jane & I: A Tale of Austen Addiction.