Today the highly popular ‘Library Cat’ Facebook page shared a promotional image of its forthcoming book about the famous cat’s thoughts and machinations. After years of fervent speculation by followers of the University of Edinburgh’s famous feline, The Student can reveal that the identity of the page’s author is none other than Alex Howard, a PhD student at the university.
Mr Howard, 27, is in the second year of his PhD, researching under the supervision of Professor James Loxley. Having completed his undergraduate study in English Literature at the university, graduating in 2010, Howard continued with a research based MSc concerning the poetics of Philip Larkin.
According to his staff page on the Edinburgh University website, Alex has a keen interesting in writing, which might go some way to explaining his literary flare on the popular Facebook page. Winner of several creative writing awards from bodies as prestigious as UNESCO Howard has clearly made a name for himself even before the publication of his forthcoming, and sure to be bestseller, book on the University’s favourite cat.
Library Cat, whose real name is Jordan, is a resident of Edinburgh University’s George Square and has received widespread media coverage including a spot on local news station STV. He currently lives with several Dominican friars and in between pondering the intricacies of life, love and libraries he can often be found curled up in the chaplaincy as he snoozes away the day.
Jordan made the news this time last year when he was awarded his very own library card in recognition of his popularity and centrality in the University community.
Although ‘The Observations of a Thinking Cat – Edinburgh University Library’s Resident Cat’ is not due out until April this year, news of Howard’s forthcoming work has already set social media alight with a warm reception and heated anticipation.
Image: cover photo from the ‘Library Cat’ Facebook page