T. S Eliot's Old Possum's Practical Cats finally gets the companion volume that Eliot had envisaged.

First published in 1939, T. S. Eliot's best-selling, much-loved collection of practical cat poems, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, has become one of the most successful poetry collections in the world. Now, an official canine companion will be available.

Written by award-winning poet – and like Eliot himself a fellow former editor of Faber and Faber - Old Toffer's Book of Consequential Dogs is the first companion volume to Eliot’s original volume. Originally conceived by Eliot himself, Old Toffer's Book of Consequential Dogs includes a selection of paired poems about all manner of memorable "pollicles" (Eliot’s companion name to his "jellicle" cats) that are as witty, varied and exquisitely compiled as Eliot's cats.

Meet Dobson the Dog Detective, Flo the Philosophical Foxhound, and Frazzlesprat, a dog who would really rather be a cat and a host of other humorous hounds.

I've rounded up a rowdy assembly

Of my own Consequential Dogs

As counterparts to Eliot's mogs.

Mine are a rough and ready bunch:

You wouldn't take them out to lunch . . .

But if they strike you as friendly, funny,

Full of bounce and fond of a romp,

Forgetful of poetic pomp,

I trust you'll take them as you find them

And, at the very least, not mind them.

T. S. Eliot's best-selling collection of practical cat poems has been one of the most successful poetry collections in the world.

For the first time in company history a companion volume will be published. Originally conceived by Eliot himself, Old Toffer's Book of Consequential Dog poems are a witty, varied and exquisitely compiled as Eliot's cats.