Pussycat Blackie's Travels

Written by Josiah Royce -- the famous American philosopher and professor at Harvard University -- when he was just a boy, this delightful story, completely appropriate for both young children and general readers, shows his seriousness as a child, his early concern with social issues including the Civil War, and his precocious genius as a writer. Royce's adventure follows the wanderings of his cat, Blackie, who hitches a ride on a wagon in California, rides a train, visits Cincinnati, Ohio, and finally arrives at Richmond, Virginia, where he sees Confederate troops gathering for a battle in the Civil War. Along the way, Blackie befriends another stray cat, escapes from dogs, and meets a talking monkey, among other adventures. The book is perfect for those who read Royce's philosophy, but it can also serve as a great introduction to American history and historical scholarship for young readers.