Frances Simpson, born in 1857, was a famous cat breeder, writer, judge and manager of Cat Shows. She edited this book to be a comprehensive reference, commissioning material from breeders, naturalists and veterinarians and illustrating it with 12 coloured portraits of individual cats and 358 photos and drawings. Simpson had a particular interest in Persian cats, breeding prize-winners and starting the Persian cat fancy in the United States.

London: Cassell and Company Limited, 1903. viii, 380 pages. 29 x 22cm. First edition. Handsome and in wonderful condition. Circular stain to back cover, spine bumped, slight intact tear to cloth at front hinge. Red sprinkled finish to fore-edges. Particularly bright copy and in wonderful condition, no dust jacket as issued.