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London : printed for A. Bettesworth, at the Red-Lyon in Pater-Noster-Row, M.DCC.XXVI. [1726], 8°, (v), (7), 184, [8] pp. Ledereinband d.Zt.; Rücken erneuet; feines Expl. RARE - FIRST EDITION with the half-title and last 3 pages of Bettesworth's catalogue of "Novels and Poetry." Full Titel: "The gentleman angler : Containing short, plain and easy instructions, whereby the most ignorant beginner may, in a little time, become a perfect artist in Angling for Salmon, Salmon-Peal, Trout, Pike, Carp, Perch, Barbel, Tench, Bream, Chub, Greyling, Mullets, Flounders, Roach, Dace, Gudgeon, &c. With several Observations on Angling, Angle-Rods, and Artificial Flies; How to chuse the best Hair, and Indian Grass; Of the proper Times and Seasons for River and Pond-Fishing; When Fish spawn, and what Baits are chiefly to be used, &c. To which is Added, The Angler's New Song: The Laws of Angling, and the Form of a License and Deputation for Angling. Together with an Appendix, containing the Method of Rock and Sea-Fishing; An Alphabetical Explanation of Technical words used in the Art of Angling; Choice receipts for Dressing Fish; And, How to improve Barren Ground by turning it into Fish-Ponds, &c. By a gentleman, who has made angling his diversion upwards of twenty-eight years." This is one of the earliest angling manuals that quickly became a standard handbook of the eighteenth century. The book not only supplied directions for flytying, descriptions of angling techniques for different fish, and a glossary (with some very curious entries) but contained a recipe section for cooking fish in the "best and most fashionable manner" and the first appearance of the "Angler's Song". It has been attributed to George Smith, but this is not reflected on ESTC, and may be doubtful. -cf. Westwood & Satchell, pp.104-105. Seller Inventory # 65713
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