The Cat Inside
In 'The Cat Inside', William S. Burroughs invites readers into a whimsical exploration of the feline psyche through vivid prose and cutting-edge experimentation. This captivating journey intertwines Burroughs' own cat experiences with a reflection on the nature of consciousness and reality. As he weaves tales of his eclectic adventures with cats, the narrative begs the question: are we truly the masters of our homes, or simply the servants of our pets? With bursts of humor and philosophical insights, Burroughs challenges our perceptions of the everyday world. Delve into this extraordinary work that transforms the mundane into the mysterious, and discover what lies beneath the surface of domestic life.
By William S. Burroughs
Published: 2002
"I’ve always been drawn to the enigma of cats—mysterious creatures that move with grace, embodying a freedom we sometimes forget."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
Best known for the wild, phantasmagoric satire of works like Naked Lunch, William S. Burroughs reveals another, gentler side in The Cat Inside. Originally published as a limited-edition volume, this moving and witty discourse on cats combines deadpan routines and dream passages with a heartwarming account of Burroughs's unexpected friendships with the many cats he has known. It is also a meditation on the long, mysterious relationship between cats and their human hosts, which Burroughs traces back to the Egyptian cult of the "animal other." With its street sense and whiplash prose, The Cat Inside is a genuine revelation for Burroughs fans and cat lovers alike.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from The Cat Inside
About the Author
William S. Burroughs
William S. Burroughs (1914-1997) was an American novelist, essayist, and visual artist, widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His most notable works include 'Naked Lunch,' 'Junky,' and 'The Ticket That Exploded,' which explore themes of addiction, control, and the human condition often through nonlinear narrative structures. Burroughs' writing style is characterized by its cut-up technique, fragmented prose, and raw, unfiltered approach to difficult subjects, reflecting his deep interest in the intersection of language and reality. Beyond literature, Burroughs was a key figure in the Beat Generation and had a profound impact on the countercultural movements of the 1960s and beyond.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- William S. Burroughs
- Published
- January 2002
- Publisher
- Penguin
- ISBN
- 0142000256
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 113
- Genres
- Philosophy of MindModern LiteratureLiteratureArts and Culture
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
Ernest Hemingway on Writing
Larry W. Phillips
How Will You Measure Your Life?
Clayton M. Christensen, James Allworth, Karen Dillon
Fahrenheit 451
Ray Bradbury
Journey to the End of the Night
Louis-Ferdinand Céline
What We See When We Read
Peter Mendelsund
The Referral Engine
John Jantsch
Crazy Salad and Scribble Scribble
Nora Ephron
The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind
Julian Jaynes
Designing for People
Henry Dreyfuss
Can't and Won't
Lydia Davis
Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids
Bryan Caplan
The Complete Novels of Jane Austen
Jane Austen
Cravings: Hungry for More
Chrissy Teigen, Adeena Sussman
The Library Book
Susan Orlean
Impeach
Neal Katyal, Sam Koppelman
The Myth of the Spoiled Child
Alfie Kohn
Violence and Social Orders
Douglass C. North, John Joseph Wallis, Barry R. Weingast
Embarrassments
Henry James
Cultural Amnesia
Clive James
Sense and Sensibility
Jane Austen
Futureface
Alex Wagner
Straw Dogs
John Gray
Empire of the Clouds
James Hamilton-Paterson
The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test
Tom Wolfe
Callings
Gregg Michael Levoy
Naked Lunch
William S. Burroughs
I Can't Date Jesus
Michael Arceneaux
Animal
Lisa Taddeo
The Book of Virtues
William J. Bennett
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations
David Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work
View Collection
Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations
Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.
View Collection
Jack Edwards's Book Recommendations
Jack Edwards is a British YouTuber, content creator, and author known for his videos on literature, academia, and productivity. Edwards gained popularity through his educational content, which includes book recommendations, study tips, and insights into university life. He is an advocate for reading and lifelong learning, often encouraging his audience to explore literature and improve their academic skills. Edwards has also written a book, The Uni-Verse, which offers advice to students navigating university life. His work has made him a well-known figure in the educational and literary communities, particularly among young readers and students.
View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Diana Kimball's Book Recommendations
Diana Kimball is an entrepreneur, author, and founder of the mentorship platform Mentor List, which connects people looking for guidance with industry leaders. Kimball is a champion for personal and professional development, emphasizing the power of mentorship to foster growth and build meaningful connections. She has worked in product management and marketing roles at companies like Twitter and Microsoft, bringing her unique insights into tech and community building. Kimball also speaks and writes on topics related to leadership, career development, and the importance of empathy in the workplace. Her work has helped people build stronger networks and pursue their goals with purpose.
View Collection
Lena Dunham's Book Recommendations
Lena Dunham is an acclaimed writer, director, and actress, best known for creating and starring in the HBO series "Girls," which garnered widespread critical acclaim and several awards, including two Golden Globes. In literature, she is the author of the bestselling memoir "Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's 'Learned'," which offers candid insights into her life and experiences. Dunham has also contributed essays to various prominent publications, showcasing her distinctive voice and sharp wit. Her work often explores themes of feminism, identity, and the complexities of modern womanhood. Beyond her creative endeavors, Dunham is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and women’s rights.
View Collection
Elon Musk's Book Recommendations
Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.
View Collection
Emma Watson's Book Recommendations
Emma Watson is a British actress and activist best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" film series, which brought J.K. Rowling's beloved books to life. Beyond her acting career, Watson has made significant contributions to literature by promoting gender equality and women's rights through her work with the United Nations, including the HeForShe campaign. She has also curated and shared book recommendations that highlight feminist literature and diverse voices. Watson graduated from Brown University with a degree in English literature, further emphasizing her dedication to the literary world. Her advocacy and influence have made her a prominent figure in both the entertainment and literary communities.
View Collection
Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations
Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and professor, best known for his work on psychology, political philosophy, and cultural criticism. His book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos became a global bestseller, offering advice on personal responsibility, order, and meaning in life. Peterson’s lectures, which cover topics like mythology, religion, and self-improvement, have garnered millions of views online, making him a polarizing figure in both academic and popular circles. He is known for his critiques of political correctness and his emphasis on individual responsibility. Peterson’s influence has sparked widespread debate about free speech, identity politics, and mental health.
View Collection
Keanu Reeves's Book Recommendations
Keanu Reeves, primarily known as a celebrated actor, is also an accomplished author. His most notable literary contribution is the book "Ode to Happiness," a picture book for adults illustrated by Alexandra Grant, which explores themes of self-acceptance and finding joy in life's simple moments. He followed this with a second collaboration with Grant, "Shadows," which delves into the interplay of light and darkness in the human experience. Reeves' literary works are praised for their philosophical depth and introspective nature. His transition from the silver screen to the written word showcases his versatile talent and creative expression.
View Collection“I’ve always been drawn to the enigma of cats—mysterious creatures that move with grace, embodying a freedom we sometimes forget.”
The Cat Inside
By William S. Burroughs
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.