About this project
HALF-CAT: A Partial History
CA$ 14,349
375
Post-Kickstarter.
Half-Cat Field Research Organization -- The Documentary -- The Book (Buy/Pre-order)
Half-cats walk among us.
Erwin Hobbes,* a researcher and cat scientist, compiled HALF CAT: A Partial History over years of meticulous study. Sadly, Erwin’s convictions had more legs to stand on than his research did, and evidence for his theories remains incomplete in the wake of his tragic death. This 120-page, full-color book unifies the fragments of research to which he dedicated his life: a life cut short by a freak cliff-related accident.
From Erwin Hobbes' Manuscript:
"I believe that for as long as there have been cats, there have been half-cats. In the ballet of feline DNA hides the potential for an astonishing mutation, revered by some, toured as spectacle by others. There is no reckoning for the countless specimens drowned at birth for their unexpected, perhaps unsettling, appearance. But what of the few that survived? This book will attempt a retelling of their story—their origins in the shadows of biology and history.
The groundwork for this volume was laid by the great, but doubtlessly troubled, mind of James Alexander, and collected over time by his estate. His work was wrought with speculation and bias, and I will try to separate the good science from the bad. For this reason I call it a partial history."
Stretch Goals: Cloth-Bound Hardcover, Gilt Edges and Ribbon.
A stretch goal is a funding target set beyond the original Kickstarter goal. Stretch goals will be free upgrades to all book pledge levels.
James Alexander: Troubled Visionary
On June 23, 1908, James Alexander, a loving husband and promising young academic, saw something that excited his scientific imagination and set him on a course to professional ridicule and personal destruction: a cat with no hind legs.
Over the years, James uncovered a bounty of evidence as he tried to prove the existence of the half-cat. It was an obsession that consumed him, but gave the world a new belief in things once thought impossible.
And 50+ more half-cat images from throughout history, collected together for the first time in print.
The story of James Alexander's found painting
We have unearthed a painting of a Half-Cat made by James Alexander. The painting was found in a deck of playing cards. Four cards used as a canvas. We have strong reasons to believe it was painted while James was institutionalized in August 1913.
Printing
Each book will feature 120 full-color pages with a gold foil-pressed cover on a cloth-bound hardcover. The KANYE WEST deluxe edition features a black foil-pressed cover on a black, cloth-bound hardcover. The book will be roughly 1 centimeter thick.
Resolution is our obsession. We are going to great lengths to ensure every image meets or exceeds photo-book standards.
Delivery
Our goal is to have this book in your hands by Christmas, with extras delivered at the same time or in the New Year. We have contingencies and backup plans for printing should problems arise.
The Goal (Achieved)
new -- 11k Stretch Goal: Cloth-bound hardcover with hot-pressed gold and gilt edges is only possible by moving the bookbinding to China. A local printer in Canada has a longstanding relationship with this printer and will be co-ordinating the production of a minimum order of 700 books.
original -- 5k Goal: "HALF-CAT: A Partial History needs to do a minimum run of 250 books to make local printing viable at a reasonable price. The Kickstarter goal is the break-even point.
The largest portion goes into the printer's setup. This includes the magnesium dye for hot foil stamping, cover stock, semi-gloss paper."
Most images have been generously donated to the Half-Cat Field Research Organization (HCFRO) in exchange for copies of the finished book. However, some images require licence fees. We also have a member of the HCFRO on a quest to find the taxidermied body of a half-cat from 1877, allegedly kept in the Princeton Museum.
Shipping costs will also be a significant fraction of the goal.
*Foma.
Meet the creative team
Erwin Hobbes is represented by three collaborators. Between them they have 4.5 degrees. Two Bachelors of Fine Arts, one BA, one Master of Arts and a Master of Architecture (in the works). Their combined, dried biomass is 72 kilograms.
Dan is an architecture student and moderately successful cinematographer and designer.
Peter is an editor for an international charity and the author of a moderately successful webcomic.
Richard is a moderately successful director, writer and cat owner.
New Pledge Level
$60 - THE T-SHIRT CANNON; Unlimited Ed. HALF-CAT: A Partial History (signed) + POSTERS & PRINTS.
Includes two 12•18" posters and two 4•6" photo reproductions. E-Book included.
First two poster designs. More to follow.
![Man holding a half-cat. Chicago, 1909. [RISO: Grey ink on 18•12" black paper]](https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/001/001/710/9c4a4b797336418e0361ac80f7a2b49c_original.jpg?w=680&fit=max&v=1381279873&auto=format&q=92&s=6ab4691d2528613ca0ac94b7442233d4)
![Le Roi Cambyse au Siege de Peluse by Paul Marie Lenoir. Steel etching, 1872. [RISO: Black Ink on 18•12" natural tone paper]](https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/001/001/714/2b8defa98c80b73620915fc6a968673b_original.jpg?w=680&fit=max&v=1381279938&auto=format&q=92&s=73c63efc4a9848b4142c9ccceb3f67ef)
Multiple Copies
Risks and challenges
(Last updated: Friday Oct 4)
We are moving ahead as though we will meet our stretch goal. A Hardcover upgrade for all backers.
Finishing the book: The manuscript is complete. A rough proof (80% complete) has been sent to our printer. The layout and design only need minor changes. All image sources have been acquired. There are multiple contingency plans for each obstacle.
Printing: Our new supplier has a 1-2 week (yes, very fast) turnaround and a 4-5 week shipping estimate. To be safe: we are fast-tracking all December (Christmas) orders with Airmail (1-2 weeks instead of 4-5 weeks). First round of books are scheduled to arrive early November.
Shipping: Our book is sized and weighted to ship economically with minimal paperwork required. Our priority is to sign and deliver books and related perks in time for Christmas.
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