Three unique cats shared a home with the late Beverley Nichols, who wrote dozens of books on topics ranging from politics to gardens. In this playful book, he muses on his feline companions' charms, proper care, and appreciation. 109 color drawings. 1 photo.

The three cats in this book share a home and garden with Beverley Nichols, who understands them superbly and rather dotes on them. Nichols wrote dozens of books on topics ranging from politics to gardens, and here muses on his feline companions' charms, proper care and appreciation.

Are you concerned that your friends would melt away if they overheard your conversations with your kitties? Do you worry that it's not natural to know -- really know -- exactly what your cats are thinking? If so, Beverley Nichols is a kindred spirit with delightfully witty and utterly absorbing tales about his three cats, Four, Five, and Oscar. Explaining every permutation of cat psychology from "Amusements" to "Zoos," Nichols has written an unforgettable and loving tale of the enduring bonds between cats and people.

Cats' X. Y. Z., and companion volume, Beverley Nichols' Cats' A. B. C. shrink-wrapped together as a gift set.

"Down the Garden Path has stood the test of time as one of the world's best-loved and most quoted gardening books. Ostensibly an account of the creation of a garden in Huntingdonshire in the 1930s, it is really about the underlying emotions and obsessions for which gardening is just a cover story. The secret of this book's success---and its timelessness---is that it does not seek to impress the reader with a wealth of expert knowledge or advice. Beverley Nichols proudly declares his status as a newcomer to gardening: "The best gardening books should be written by those who still have to search their brains for the honeysuckle's languid Latin name."As unforgettable as the plants in the garden are, the cast of visitors and neighbours who invariably turn up at inopportune moments are truly memorable. For every angelic Miss Hazlitt there is an insufferable Miss Wilkins waiting in the wings. For every thought-provoking Professor, there is an intrusive Mrs. M., whose chief offense may be that she is a "damnably efficient" gardener. From a disaster in building a rock garden---"It reminded me of those puddings made of spongecake and custard which are studded with almonds"---to a triumph in building an "avalanche" of chionodoxas---"Ah, but it was worth waiting for"---to further adventures with greenhouses, woodland gardens, not to mention cats and treacle, Nichols has left us a true gardening classic.

Beverley Nichols (1898–1983) was a prolific author, playwright, composer, and media personality. Though much of his work has been forgotten, his garden writing has stood the test of time. His amusing anecdotes, poetic contemplations, and penetrating observations speak to all gardeners — from houseplant killers to nursery professionals — and capture the joy, heartache, and hilarity of gardening. Rhapsody in Green speaks to the true spirit of Beverley Nichols. Compiled by Roy C. Dicks and drawn from fifteen of his best titles, these carefully selected passages offer a tantalizing taste of Nichols's humor, passion, and poetry. Designed for easy browsing and casual reference, it is organized by subject, including favorite plants, despised plants, and the secrets to successful gardening. Readers will also delight in William McLaren's original line drawings spread throughout the text. A must-have for Nichols fans, gardeners, and plant lovers.

A funny and heartwarming collection of cat portraits. A perfect gift for any cat fancier.

First in a trilogy, Merry Hall is the account of the restoration of a house and garden in post-war England. Though Mr. Nichols's horticultural undertaking is serious, his writing is high-spirited, riotously funny, and, at times, deliciously malicious.