Feline Plié

MOURKA: The Autobiography Of A Cat

Written by Tanaquil Le Clerecq, photography by Martha Swope, dancing by Mourka The Cat

(1964)

Inscribed first edition, review copy, of this charming story of George Balanchine's dancing cat — signed by "Mourka," Le Clerecq, and Balanchine, with four original promotional photographs from the book.

Very good plus in a very good minus jacket.

Price: $2,000.00

MOURKA: The Autobiography Of A Cat

"Mr. Balanchine is a choreographer [...] We have worked long, arduous hours together perfecting my jump, a gift that distinguishes me from every other cat in catdom."

Written by Balanchine's then-wife, the ballerina Tanaquil Le Clercq, MOURKA might at first appear as a kind of lightly satirical tongue-in-cheek effort. But in fact Balanchine apparently did train Mourka to dance and would frequently have the cat perform for quests at his and Le Clercq's home. A charming book, it is genuinely scarce on its own, and is rare signed — especially by Balanchine.

The Object

First printing. New York: Stein and Day, (1964). 10'' x 7''. Original quarter red cloth over red boards. In original unclipped ($3.95) photographic jacket Peretz Kaminsky. Photographic feline-themed endpapers. [56] pages. Inscribed by Le Clerecq on the page opposite title page: "To Doris Jane: / With all best wishes - / Mourka [with drawing of cat face] / and / Tanaquil Le Clerecq." Additionally signed by Balanchine. Stamped "Review Copy" below. Loosely laid in are four original gelatin silver photographs from the book. Each stamped on the verso "An illustration from MOURKA by Tanaquil LeClerecq [sic] (Stein and Day, August 26, $3.95). Credit Photo: Martha Swope." Jacket rubbed at extremities with some edgwear and a couple closed tears/tape repairs. Faint stain top corner of front panel. Book with some trace shelfwear, minor toning internally. Overall sound.

The Fine Print

We work hard to meet our ethical responsibility to describe our material accurately. All items are guaranteed as described and may be returned for any reason within 30 days. Please notify us before mailing a return.

We guarantee the authenticity of our items. All materials are original (meaning not facsimiles or reproductions) unless otherwise noted. First editions (meaning first edition, first printing) are explicitly stated. TPM is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America and upholds their Code of Ethics.

All photographs are of the actual item for sale. We're happy to provide additional images on request.

All domestic orders ship gratis. For orders under $250, free USPS media mail shipping is included; orders $250 and over ship USPS Ground Advantage. International orders over $1000 also ship gratis. Expedited, overnight, as well as other carriers (UPS, Fed-Ex, etc.), may carry additional costs beyond quoted rates. All orders receive tracking information and a direct contact in case of any questions.

International buyers are responsible for any customs, taxes, and related import fees. Please note that we are unable to accomodate requests to misrepresent, misdeclare, or otherwise falsify customs documents when shipping internationally. We appreciate your understanding.

We accept all major credit cards, Paypal, Venmo, check, money order, and bank wire. We are happy to bill institutional buyers' needs. Sales tax will be added to applicable purchases. Items subject to prior sale.

If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your purchase, please contact us. We prioritize our long-term relationships far above any individual purchase, and we want you to love your item as much as we loved cataloguing it.

Add to Cart Ask a Question Add to Wish List

More by Le Clerecq, Tanaquil, Martha Swope