Customer Reviews

The Angler's Life: Collecting and Traditions

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In the Nov. 27, 2000 New York Times book review, Christopher Lehmann-Haupt recommended: "Two unusual books about fishing: THE ANGLER'S LIFE...which makes the point that there's a whole lot more to fishing than simply dropping bait into the water, namely collecting piscatorial books and equipment, decorating rooms in honor of the sport or remembering great fishing people of the past; and FORGOTTEN FLIES...featuring spectacularly colorful illustrations of the flies of classic tiers...Both books remind you that half the beauty of fishing is above water on dry land in places where it is impossible to cast a line."

My husband and I received a copy of "The Angler's Life" as a present, and we just love it. If there is a fisherman in your life, this is a must-have gift. When this talented team produced "Living With Dogs", another title I love, I spent hours scouring flea markets for dog art, dog bronzes and dog plaques---I even got a dog! Now with "The Angler's Life", I find myself scouring flea markets for fishing signs, fishing creel baskets, fishing postcards and lures. The decorating ideas for displaying fishing paraphernalia in the book are endless, and aesthetically pleasing. My husband, who fly fishes in the Gulf of Mexico, keeps it on top of his book stack for easy access.

In its syndicated "Gift Ideas" column for Dec. 11, 2000, Washington Post reviewer Annie Groer wrote: "For those whose motto is 'I'd rather be fishing,' THE ANGLER'S LIFE: COLLECTING AND TRADITIONS should not be the one that got away. Author Laurence Sheehan and photographer William Stites have created a paean to the art and artifacts of piscatorial endeavor....This book could make you grab your rod and waders and head for the nearest stream."

This isn't just a book about fishing. It's about the people who have a passion for this quiet--often elegant--sport. People who keep diaries of every catch from every bank for year after year. People who find solace and comfort in the fishing huts that are every bit as cozy as their homes. People who fish together as families, kids wading in the muddy footsteps of their parents and grandparents. The Angler's Life is thoughtfully and forcefully photographed; charmingly and knowingly written. It isn't just a book about fishing. It's a reminder of how good life can be.

If you can't get to the stream, river, lake or ocean to angle for the fish of your choice, this book is a great way to pass the time. There isn't an angler alive who wouldn't enjoy spending a few hours (or days) in the camps, cabins and dens shown in this book. If you love to collect fishing related items, the book will be a true delight. Buy it. Read it cover to cover. Then put it in handy place to pull out when time and circumstance don't permit a trip to your favorite waters with rod and reel.

Essentially a coffee table book, not a How-to. Very good photos of Fishing Clubs & Camps, with nice supporting narratives on each. As these are private, and difficult to access, each chapter
is a treat. A rare visual history. Nice book. I bought 2 used, in fine condition & saved MONEY.