Charles Dickens once asked, rhetorically: "What greater gift than the love of a cat?" The answer might just be: A letter opener. At least it was for Dickens, in a way.
After the great British writer lost his beloved cat Bob in 1862, he had one of Bob's paws preserved via taxidermy and attached to his ivory-bladed letter opener, so that he might always have a visual reminder of his little feline companion. Dickens had the tool inscribed, "C.D. In Memory of Bob 1862."
It was said that Dickens, the author of some of literature's greatest works, including Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol, loved nothing more than being at home with his cats. And they returned the love, including – according to legend – one that would intentionally snuff out his candle so that it would get his attention instead. For any traveling cat lovers out there, the paw-adorned letter opener can be seen at the New York Public Library.
What the (Charles) Dickens:
- Dickens is said to have saved several people after a train he was on derailed on a bridge and fell into a river.
- Dickens died halfway through writing The Mystery of Edwin Drood, ironically leaving the identity of the murderer a mystery for the ages.
- Dickens was 15 when he landed a clerk job at a law office and picked up shorthand, which prompted him into the writing life.
