Warhol, Andy

25 Cats Name Sam and One Blue Pussy.  [New York]: Printed by Seymour Berlin, [1954]



Small 4to (9 x 5 7/8 in.; 228 x 150 mm).  18 lithographs (including cover) by Warhol on Arches paper, vividly handcolored using Dr. Martin's ink washes, calligraphy by Warhol's mother, Julia Warhola; minimal wear and soiling.  Original off-white leatherette binding, handcolored lithographed label laid down on upper cover, green endpapers; binding somewhat soiled as usual, label with light glue stains at edges and some soiling.

Walter Van Bellen

Small 4to (9 x 5 7/8 in.; 228 x 150 mm). 18 lithographs (including cover) by Warhol on Arches paper, vividly handcolored using Dr. Martin's ink washes, calligraphy by Warhol's mother, Julia Warhola; minimal wear and soiling. Original off-white leatherette binding, handcolored lithographed label laid down on upper cover, green endpapers; binding somewhat soiled as usual, label with light glue stains at edges and some soiling.
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Copy 50 of 190 numbered copies, signed by Warhol.  The colophon lists the edition as 190 copies; however, there may have been under 150 produced.  Although the book contains no text, Charles Lisanby, who supplied the title, is credited as the author.  

A brilliantly colored copy of the most popular and enduring of Andy Warhol's early self-published books.  The calligraphy for 25 Cats Name Sam and One Blue Pussy (which actually contains only 16 cats names Sam) was done by Warhol's mother, who left the 'd' off of the word "Name" in the title.  Warhol decided to let it stand.  After the lithographs for the book were printed, Warhol held "coloring parties" at which his friends were invited to color the cats.  The use of friends and assistants to complete his projects was a method the artist would continue to employ throughout his career.

The books were usually given by the artist as Christmas keepsakes to his friends and clients.  The inscription or name of the recipient is usually found in the lower left corner of the large label on the front cover.  This copy is inscribed "to mr van bellen."  Walter Van Bellen was a commercial artist for NBC until 1966, who admired Warhol's early work and gave him freelance assignments on several occasions.  Sometime during 1954, Warhol had dinner at the Van Bellen home, bringing with him this book for Van Bellen and an unruly Siamese kitten for the family.  Van Bellen's daughters recall that at some point after their father recieved the book, he named a family cat Sam. 

Warhol and his mother were both passionate cat lovers and named all their cats Sam, except for one named Hester.  These whimsical and sympathetic depictions of felines in various poses have been popular with the public for many years now.  The book has been reproduced in facsimile by Random House and the individual images have appeared on postcards, poster, notepads, and a  variety of objects.