“Peggy Gavan has a true storyteller’s enthusiasm—that rare, admirably frenetic need to share as much as she can about her subject matter. [She] focuses mainly on stories from the mid-1800s to World War II, and her writing provides more than just quirky time capsules of yesteryear’s animal life. She emphasizes historical context, allowing readers to see how seemingly minor animal incidents had big influences on modern culture.”
— Victoria Bekiempis, Newsweek magazine
“[Peggy Gavan has] obviously has done a lot of work and is very devoted to her topic ... Every now and then, you'll turn up a history that mentions a quirky animal story here or there, but to my knowledge this is the first time anybody has really made a compendium of such stories.”
— Michael Miscione, Manhattan Borough Historian
"A colorful look at the many notable cats in New York City's history and the humans who influenced their nine lives for good or, sadly, sometimes ill. Here's to the 'hero cat men of Gotham!'"
— Undine, author of the blog Strange Company
"I was willingly lured down countless dark alleys on the trail of New York’s most famous, courageous, and well-traveled felines of history. A delightful read that left me wishing for more milk in my pan!"
— Brian Hartig, founder of Brownstone Detectives, a historic property research firm
"So where are the “cat women” in this story? Gavan said that strict gender roles kept women out of the workplaces and social spaces that tended to draw more attention from the male-dominated press, meaning women didn’t show up in as many of the news articles that have informed her book."
— The Guardian
"Each cat’s tale is the catalyst for riveting backstories of the police stations, theaters, speakeasies, and hotels that have always made Manhattan a mecca for the rich and powerful, the quiet and quirky. A fun and factual adventure that appeals to cat lovers and history buffs alike."
— Booklist
"Atmospheric...Lively prose conveys [Gavan's] passion for the city and its rich history. Cat Men of Gotham will be most enjoyed by those who are familiar with New York City history but also by anyone who has ever been amused by or in love with cats."
— Foreword Reviews
"Cat-lovers and New York City history buffs alike will thoroughly enjoy The Cat Men Of Gotham, Tales of Feline Friendships in Old New York and the short stories within."
— Untapped Cities
"Kitty-cats and New York City? This can't miss. Peggy Gavan's history has lots of heart, but it's not fluff. Her book, with profiles of 42 cats and the righteous firefigthers, cops, politicians and other men who saved them from the mean streets of 19th-century New York, sheds light on the hardships encountered by both humans and felines of the era."
— USA Today
— Dog Talk (and Kitties Too!)
"Inspiring."
— Dayton Daily News
"This book gives readers a new appreciation for Old New York, along with the people and cats who made it their home."
— Catster
"This book gives readers a new appreciation for Old New York, along with the people and cats who made it their home."
— Catster
“[Peggy Gavan has] obviously has done a lot of work and is very devoted to her topic ... Every now and then, you'll turn up a history that mentions a quirky animal story here or there, but to my knowledge this is the first time anybody has really made a compendium of such stories.”
— Michael Miscione, Manhattan Borough Historian
"Kitty-cats and New York City? This can't miss. Peggy Gavan's history has lots of heart, but it's not fluff. Her book, with profiles of 42 cats and the righteous firefigthers, cops, politicians and other men who saved them from the mean streets of 19th-century New York, sheds light on the hardships encountered by both humans and felines of the era."
— USA Today
— Dog Talk (and Kitties Too!)
"Each cat’s tale is the catalyst for riveting backstories of the police stations, theaters, speakeasies, and hotels that have always made Manhattan a mecca for the rich and powerful, the quiet and quirky. A fun and factual adventure that appeals to cat lovers and history buffs alike."
— Booklist
"Inspiring."
— Dayton Daily News
"Atmospheric...Lively prose conveys [Gavan's] passion for the city and its rich history. Cat Men of Gotham will be most enjoyed by those who are familiar with New York City history but also by anyone who has ever been amused by or in love with cats."
— Foreword Reviews
"So where are the “cat women” in this story? Gavan said that strict gender roles kept women out of the workplaces and social spaces that tended to draw more attention from the male-dominated press, meaning women didn’t show up in as many of the news articles that have informed her book."
— The Guardian
"A colorful look at the many notable cats in New York City's history and the humans who influenced their nine lives for good or, sadly, sometimes ill. Here's to the 'hero cat men of Gotham!'"
— Undine, author of the blog Strange Company
"Cat-lovers and New York City history buffs alike will thoroughly enjoy The Cat Men Of Gotham, Tales of Feline Friendships in Old New York and the short stories within."
— Untapped Cities
"I was willingly lured down countless dark alleys on the trail of New York’s most famous, courageous, and well-traveled felines of history. A delightful read that left me wishing for more milk in my pan!"
— Brian Hartig, founder of Brownstone Detectives, a historic property research firm
“Peggy Gavan has a true storyteller’s enthusiasm—that rare, admirably frenetic need to share as much as she can about her subject matter. [She] focuses mainly on stories from the mid-1800s to World War II, and her writing provides more than just quirky time capsules of yesteryear’s animal life. She emphasizes historical context, allowing readers to see how seemingly minor animal incidents had big influences on modern culture.”
— Victoria Bekiempis, Newsweek magazine