Living with Dickens

The photographer shares his life with Dickens--an Abyssinian kitten who has become the undisputed star of the household--through pictures and text. By the author of Out of the Studio.

How did he catch that shot of sweet little Dickens in mid sneeze, I can't help but wonder!

Buy this book if you need a pick-me-up, or know someone who does, it's like comfort food for the eyes. Even if you believe you are a "dog person," you won't be able to avoid being delighted by the candid images Tom Bianchi shares in this book.


Gorgeous, and so true.   November 20, 2004
Pixel Pixie (Seattle)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Truly gorgeous photography in this book, and his depiction of the temperament, personality and intelligence of Abyssinian cats is so true! So many photos in the book and descriptions of behavior mirrored life with my own Abyssinian cat. The story of how living with Dickens gave such entertainment and pleasure is absolutely charming.

Of course any cat lover will adore this book...but it will likely make many converts among those who think cats are just decorative bean bags, too! My photographer friend really appreciated the "Hurrell" portrait in the book as well as the composition and quality of the photos overall.

We "Aby people" have always said if Ferrari designed a cat, it would be this breed of cat. Wonderful book!


The Title Says It All   October 15, 2009
H. F. Corbin (ATLANTA, GA USA)
Anyone who has ever had a cat knows that it is not a relationship between equals. Tom Bianchi obviously knows that because of the title he has chosen for this quite beautiful book LIVING WITH DICKENS that is mostly photographs of his Abyssian cat named Dickens with a few pictures thrown in of his other cat Ingrid Ermine for good measure.

Mr. Bianchi has demonstrated over and over that he is a master when it comes to photographing handsome men with perfect bodies and has many books to prove it. Photographing a cat, however, requires even a greater skill since, as a friend of mine would say, the beautiful moments are fleeting, something particularly so when it comes to capturing an animal as quick and whimsical as a cat. This book, however, proves that the photographer is up to the task.

Mr. Bianchi has immortalized Dickens in dozens of interesting and beautiful photographs. One of my favorites is "Top Cat" where Dickens is regally perched on white steps going down I suspect to a swimming pool area (p. 75). "Love High Places" (p. 50) is beautifully lit. "Oh No, the Vacuum Cleaner" (pp. 25-26) in which Dickens is peeping out of what looks like a woven laundry basket is a scene familiar to anyone who has ever lived with a cat. There are, however, no bad photographs in this book that cat people the world over will appreciate.

The artist has written that sadly Dickens (1988 - 2000) died in April, 2000-- with only one day of sickness-- after letting Mr. Bianchi live with him for over 12 years. We certainly hope that Dickens is now in Rainbow Bridge anxiously awaiting a reunion with his beloved friend.