Brian Blessed explores the joy of animals

Pan Macmillan has acquired a new book from Brian Blessed inspired by his love of animals: The Panther in My Kitchen.

The book is pitched as "a laugh out loud, life affirming book about the joy animals bring and why we should care for them", written with "all of Brian’s ebullience" according to Pan Macmillan.

It draws on Blessed's fondness and experience of animals, from rescuing cats, dogs and horses, to encounters with more exotic animals, such as Kali the black panther who had free run of his kitchen and Bo Bo the "gentle" boa constrictor who went for walks with him in London's Richmond Park.

Pan Macmillan acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Tim Bates at PFD to publish on 2nd November 2017.

Blessed said recalling his experiences for the book had given him "inordinate pleasure", recommending pet ownership as a route to "true happiness". 

“The love of an animal is one of the greatest things you can ever attain as a human being," said Blessed. "If you want to experience true happiness, go out and get yourself a dog, a cat, a rabbit or even a ferret! An animal can bring light into even the darkest hours and when times are good they push them to perfection. Recalling my experiences with animals, from dogs and ponies to panthers and ocelots, has given me inordinate pleasure and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.”

Editorial director Ingrid Connell said: “We had so much fun working with Brian on Absolute Pandemonium that we couldn’t wait to do it again. His love for animals shines through this funny, charming and incredibly entertaining book.”