Doris Lessing's love affair with cats began at a young age, when she became intrigued with the semi-feral creatures on the African farm where she grew up. Her fascination remained undiminished by the handsome domesticated creatures who shared her flats and her life in London and grew into real love with El Magnifico, the awkwardly lovable cat who in his later years suffered the great indignity of becoming a three legged beast. Consisting of Doris Lessing's collection of stories, "Particularly Cats and Rufus", and the poignant memoir, "The Old Age of El Magnifico", this book evokes a sense of feline existence.