The Gentleman's Recreation: Containing Direct Rules for that Noble and Delightful Art of Angling: Whereunto is annexed An Abstract of all such Statute or penal Laws relating to that Curious Art

Nicholas Cox

Published by Printed by J. C. for N. C. [John Clark for Nicholas Cox], London, 1677

About this Item

RARE 1677 ANGLING TREATISE - COMPLETE WITH ORIGINAL FISH PLATE. Written by Nicholas Cox (fl. 1673-1731). --- SECTION TITLE: The Gentleman's Recreation: Containing Direct Rules for that Noble and Delightful Art of Angling: Whereunto is annexed An Abstract of all such Statute or penal Laws relating to that Curious Art. The Fourth Part. --- PUBLICATION & DATE: London: Printed by J. C. for N. C. [John Clark for Nicholas Cox], undated as issued [1677, True Second Edition]. Octavo (8vo). --- COLLATION & CONTENT: Complete standalone angling section comprising the title page, 1-page folding plate, pp. 1-78 of main text detailing 17th-century river fishing, fly-making, baits, tackle, and pond care, followed by the unpaginated Abstract of Penal Laws and index tables at the rear. Crucially retains the highly fragile and scarce folding copper-engraved plate by William Dolle depicting various species of river fish (Salmon, Trout, Pike, Carp, Perch, Eelet, etc.) facing the introduction page. --- PROVENANCE: From the celebrated sporting library of the renowned collector Douglas Peter Crossman, boasting his elegant armorial bookplate ("In Cruce Spes Mea") to the front pastedown. Includes a vintage bookseller's catalogue slip tipped inside. --- BINDING: Beautifully and soundly bound in a period-style half calf leather over marbled paper boards with calf corners. The spine features classic raised bands, gilt rules, and a clean red leather title label reading "Cox. Art of Angling". --- CONDITION REPORT: Good to Very Good. The leather binding is tight, square, and structurally flawless, showing only minor expected shelf rubbing. Internally, all pages are in very good condition for their age with expected natural toning and occasional mild foxing to the margins, but remaining highly crisp and readable. The folding copper plate is complete and clean with a dark, sharp impression. A highly complete, expertly catalogued, and desirable 17th-century fly-fishing cornerstone. --- BIBLIOGRAPHIC CITATIONS: Westwood & Satchell, p. 67; Schwerdt I, p. 122.

Seller Inventory # 002024

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Gentleman's Recreation: Containing Direct Rules for that Noble and Delightful Art of Angling: Whereunto is annexed An Abstract of all such Statute or penal Laws relating to that Curious Art
• Publisher: Printed by J. C. for N. C. [John Clark for Nicholas Cox], London
• Publication Date: 1677
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: William Dolle
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Sports and Pastimes / hunting
  • Fishing & ichthyology
  • Antique & Collectable