The Compleat Angler or the Contemplative Man's Recreation Being a Discourse of Rivers, Fishponds, Fish and Fishing not unworthy the Perusal of most Anglers

Walton, Izaak; Rackham, Arthur (Illustrations)

ISBN 10: 1870630750 / ISBN 13: 9781870630757

Published by Bloomsbury Books, London

About this Item

[1 870630 75 0] 1988. (hardcover) Near fine in fine dust jacket. 224pp. 8vo. First published in 1655, this classic of angling, a celebration of the spirit of fishing in prose and verse, was originally illustrated by Arthur Racham in 1931. Walton continued to add to the text for 25 years after its initial publication. There has been a small spot white-out painted to the front free endpaper, presumed to conceal personal information. Includes 12 full colour plates, as well as black and white line drawings. Else is fine, almost as new. Lovely copy.

Seller Inventory # 130697

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Compleat Angler or the Contemplative Man's Recreation Being a Discourse of Rivers, Fishponds, Fish and Fishing not unworthy the Perusal of most Anglers
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Books, London
• ISBN 10: 1870630750
• ISBN 13: 9781870630757
• Binding: Hardcover
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Seller catalogs:
  • Sports

About this title

Synopsis

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface.

We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Review

For a book to stay in print for nearly 350 years, its merits must continually entice and satisfy. The Compleat Angler qualifies on both counts. On the most obvious level, it remains as good a primer on fishing as any angler would want. But its most enduring distinction is hinted at in the subtitle--"the Contemplative Man's Recreation." Izaak Walton's sometimes convoluted 17th-century grammar can still reel in our imaginations with his graceful evocations of a life free from hurly-burly in the company of friends intent on physical and moral sustenance. "He that hopes to be a good Angler must not only bring an inquiring, searching, observing wit," suggests the master, "but he must bring a large measure of hope and patience.... Doubt not but Angling will prove to be so pleasant, that it will prove to be like a virtue, a reward to itself." Just like Walton's magnificent literary catch. --Jeff Silverman