At the Turin International Book Fair 2025, the Lo Scarabeo publishing house presents “Cats – Legends & Mysteries”A work that combines illustration and story on a journey through myths, folklore and symbols related to cats. A precious volume for culture, magic and art enthusiasts
A journey between illustration, mythology and mystery
Among the most awaited news of Turin book salon 2025, “Cats – Legends & Mysteries”. An illustrated book published by Lo Scarabeo, with the images of the famous Paolo Barbieri and the texts of Daniele Palmieri. The volume, of 128 pages, explores the figure of the cat through eras, cultures and beliefs, in a fascinating bestiary that blends art and spirituality.
Starting from ancient Egypt and the Greek-Roman world, when the cat was considered a sacred and protecting idol, coming during the Middle Ages to be represented as the faithful ally of witches and sorcerers.
The cat’s double face: guide and demon
The image of gatto He has always left behind a veil of mystery and charm. With a black color, for many symbol of misfortune, to the link with the moon and the nightlife. Curious, independent and unpredictable, he crosses life with intelligence and grace, challenging time with his nine lives. “Even the smallest of the felines is – as Leonardo da Vinci said – a masterpiece”revealing an ambiguous and intelligent vision.
The traces of feline symbolism also cross the chivalric poems, with figures such as the “Mannaro cat” linked to the legend of King Arthur
“The cat has always had a double nature: custodian of the house, but also demonic animal, with a hybrid and mysterious nature”explains the writer Daniele Palmieri. In Roman times it was idolized as a sacred presence; In the Middle Ages, however, it was feared as a helper of the witches, especially in the form of the “family”, a magical creature at the service of the occult.
The cat in literature and spirituality
Even in oriental culture, the cat plays a sacred role: in Sufism and in the Islamic tradition it is a divine emissary. In more modern times, his figure was reinterpreted by authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings)who made him a dark symbol in the service of Sauron, and by Algernon Blackwood, where a cat protects the detective of the occult John Silence from supernatural entities.
«I have always seen cats as windows towards another universe»Says the illustrator Paolo Barbieri. “With this book I wanted to show what they see and what is hidden behind their mysterious behavior».
The other events of Lo Scarabeo at the Salone
Beyond “Cats – Legends & Mysteries”, The Scarabeo will present other volumes and editorial products. Among these: “Honest astrology” by Giulia Bertona-Presentation on Saturday 17 May 4 pm at 4:00.17 pm: 00, Lingotto, Sala Lisbon. “Read the Tarot with intuition and psyche” In Matt Auryn. “Dracula. The order of the dragon” by Marco Cannavà and Corrado Roi.
And three new tarot decks: “Whispers of Time Tarot” At Sonya Kulynyak, “Illuminated tarot” Di Erik C. Dunne E Kim Huggens, “Joker” by Pietro Alligo and Corrado Roi.
From 16 to 18 May, Paolo Barbieri will be present for firmacopie At the stand the Scarabeo.
Paolo Barbieri
Internationally renowned illustrator, he collaborated with big names in literature such as George RR Martin, Umberto Eco, Ursula K. Le Guin and Wilbur Smith. Since 2015 he has worked with Scarabeo, with whom he published works such as Fantasy Cats, Unicorns, Startragons, and Alice in Wonderland. His ability to combine realism and imagination has made his books and tarot objects of art. (By Paolo Barbieri the cover photo)
Daniele Palmieri
Born in 1994, he is a Milanese writer and philosopher. His debut “Diary of a cynical cat” It has become an editorial case. Author of a saga dedicated to felines and fantastic worlds, he also published the story of a librarian cat, the cat, the magician and the inquisitor and the call of the lynx. With “Cats – Legends & Mysteries”, Palmieri returns to explore the hidden and mythological side of his totemic animal.
The scarabeo
Founded in 1987, Scarabeo is a world reference point for tarot cards and art illustration. The Turin publisher has collaborated with masters such as Milo Manara, Sergio Toppi and Corrado Roi, integrating symbolism and refined graphics. With a rich catalog of collectible decks, ancient cards and illustrated books, the Scarabeo continues to guide the editorial panorama in the world of spirituality, art and imagination. More information is available on site.