The Compleat Angler

Walton, Izaak; Arthur Rackham (illus.)

ISBN 10: 185648095X / ISBN 13: 9781856480956

Published by The Promotional Reprint Comapn (edition First Thus), 1992

About this Item

With dust jacket. The item might be beaten up but readable. May contain markings or highlighting, as well as stains, bent corners, or any other major defect, but the text is not obscured in any way.

Seller Inventory # 185648095X-7-1-29

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Compleat Angler
• Publisher: The Promotional Reprint Comapn (edition First Thus)
• Publication Date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 185648095X
• ISBN 13: 9781856480956
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Thus.
• Condition: Fair
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included

About this title

Synopsis

"The Compleat Angler" is immortal and timeless, as it celebrates the peace and meditative contentment of angling. The practice of angling has indeed changed in the three centuries since Izaak Walton wrote, but the philosophy and pleasure remain. The aspects of folklore conjured up by Walton's anecdotes, quotations and verse still convey that idyllic world of the riverside.

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