The Compleat Angler

A pastoral discourse on the joys and stratagems of fishing, this is one of the most frequently reprinted books in English literature. Since the late 18th century more than 300 editions have appeared as Walton's name became known everywhere in the land. This lovely hardcover edition is complete with line drawings and illustrations to enhance the reading experience.

Walton’s attractive style in dialogue and description, his enthusiasm for innocent outdoor recreation and his genial partiality for the past have lifted this work out of the category of handbooks into great literature. Walton explores in sometimes whimsical, sometimes philosophical fashion matters touching upon his great pastime; he includes anecdotes, songs, descriptions of fish and their habitats, and most beautifully the countryside where he fished.

The Compleat Angler, first published in 1653, has become a classic of English literature. Where other angling books are of limited appeal to those who do not fish, The Compleat Angler inspires readers from all walks of life to go in search of the timeless English countryside that Walton evokes with such love. Despite the chaos of 17th-Century England, Walton appears to have spent his life in an oasis of calm conviviality and, remarkably, he succeeded in botling it forus to enjoy more and more with each century that glides silently by. Innocent, playful and philosophical by turns, The Compleat Angler is not only a guide to the ancient art of fishing, but a hymn of joy to the English countryside, good conversation and the old-fashioned virtues of friendship.

Being comfortable (and well-connected) enough to retire in 1644, Izaak Walton turned to writing about his passion, fishing. In 1653 he published The Compleat Angler, a work he added to and revised for years to come – he died at the then extraordinary age of 90, having enjoyed decades of angling during his long retirement, mainly on the River Dove dividing Staffordshire and Derbyshire.