The Compleat Angler (The World's Classics) [Paperback]

Izaak Walton (Author), John Buxton (Editor), John Buchan (Introduction)

Book Description

Series: The World's Classics | Publication Date: August 26, 1982

Although the 1653 world of Izaak Walton was far different from our own, his advice on fishing has never gone out of style. For those who fish or just love the outdoors, this classic of English literature, loved for the character of its author as well as the lore he imparts, is a treasure. Includes a new Introduction by Thomas McGuane and charming illustrations throughout by the great Arthur Rackham.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

For a book to stay in print for nearly 350 years, its merits must continually entice and satisfy. The Compleat Angler qualifies on both counts. On the most obvious level, it remains as good a primer on fishing as any angler would want. But its most enduring distinction is hinted at in the subtitle--"the Contemplative Man's Recreation." Izaak Walton's sometimes convoluted 17th-century grammar can still reel in our imaginations with his graceful evocations of a life free from hurly-burly in the company of friends intent on physical and moral sustenance. "He that hopes to be a good Angler must not only bring an inquiring, searching, observing wit," suggests the master, "but he must bring a large measure of hope and patience.... Doubt not but Angling will prove to be so pleasant, that it will prove to be like a virtue, a reward to itself." Just like Walton's magnificent literary catch. --Jeff Silverman

Review

(in full The Compleat Angler; or, the Contemplative Man's Recreation) A pastoral discourse on the joys of fishing by Izaak Walton, first published in 1653. A much enlarged edition appeared in 1655, and the last edition supervised by the author, published in 1676, included additional material by Charles Cotton. The complete book, including Cotton's additions, has been among the most often reprinted books in English literature. The book opens on the first day of May, as three sportsmen--Auceps the fowler, Venator the hunter, and Piscator the fisherman--compare their favored pastimes while traveling through the English countryside along the River Lea. The discourse is enlivened by more than 40 songs and poems, country folklore, recipes, anecdotes, moral meditations, quotes from the Bible and from classic literature, and lore about fishing and waterways. The Compleat Angler is based in part on 15th- and 16th-century fishing manuals, and the sections on fly fishing and the making of artificial flies are by Cotton. -- The Merriam-Webster Encyclopedia of Literature

Product Details

• Paperback: 414 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (August 26, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192815113
• ISBN-13: 978-0192815118
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,806,551 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely book, September 9, 1999

By 

Hal Colebatch (Perth, Western Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Compleat Angler (The World's Classics) (Paperback)

A lovely ramble with a fascinating old gentleman, quaint, charming, sunny and a true picture of one aspect of a bygone age and of the way our great-great grandfathers talked and lived. The fishing lore and natural history are hopelessly out of date but who cares? Has been in print for centuries and deservedly so.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book regarding a hobby that is a lot older than I thought, October 26, 2010

By 

T. Canaday (SOUTH CAROLINA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: THE COMPLEAT ANGLER (Hardcover)

Fly fishing has quite a history it turns out. This is a valuable resource for those wishing to recreate history or a very entertaining read for fishing enthusiasts.