The Complete Angler, or the Contemplative Man's Recreation, of Izaak Walton and Charles Cotton.

Limited edition of this classic of English literature. Octavo, two volumes, original publisher's cloth decorated in gilt, tissue-guarded engraved frontispiece to each volume, illustrated with engravings. One of five hundred numbered copies, this is number 372. Printed on thick paper, some pages uncut and unopened at top edges. From the library of with his small bookplate to the pastedown of the first volume. Stephen H. Wakeman (1859-1924) was one of the greatest American bibliophiles of his time. A lifelong New Yorker who made his fortune selling produce, he devoted most of his adult life to bibliophilic pursuits. In near fine condition. A very nice example, rare in this condition. "Breathes the very spirit of innocence, purity, and simplicity of heart . . . it would sweeten a man's temper at any time to read it" (Charles Lamb). First published in 1653, this literary and nature classic was created by a Londoner with a passion for rustic life. As satisfying a primer on fishing as any angler could wish, it celebrates the art and spirit of fishing with verse, song and folklore, moral reflections, and timeless wisdom. Cast in the form of a dialogue between the veteran angler Piscator and his pupil Viator, it both informs and delights with an ingenious exploration of fishing's subtle intricacies and the pleasures of the natural world. Though intended in part as a practical guide for fishermen, the lasting influence of The Compleat Angler stems from its qualities as a work of literature: it is arguably the best long prose-pastoral in English.…