Sportsman's Legacy [Hardcover]

William G. Tapply (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1993

First published in 1993, SPORTSMAN'S LEGACY was the a story of a remarkable relationship between father and son. It could have been the tale of any father and son whose lifelong bond was forged in the outdoors, except that the father was H.G. "Tap" Tapply, who for half a century stood tall among the giants of a generation of beloved sporting writers, including Lee Wulff, Burton Spiller, Ted Trueblood, and others. The son, author William G. Tapply, was revered in his own right as the author of more than 30 mystery novels, including 25 Brady Coyne novels, a dozen outdoor books, and hundreds of articles. This expanded edition includes all of the original book's material, plus more than 60 new photographs; introductions by Bill's son, Mike, and Bill's wife, Vicki; a dialogue between Bill and Philip R. Craig, his co-author on three novels and the author of the J.W. Jackson mysteries; a chapter on tying Tap's Nearenuf fly, and more. This edition expands on the original themes of cherishing nature's fragile mysteries, of loving her wild creatures, and of how an indelible bond formed between father and son can spark a deep and profound love of family and friends.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Sportsman's Legacy is the story of a remarkable relationship between father and son. It could be the story of any father and son whose lifelong bond was forged in the outdoors, except that the father here is H. G. "Tap" Tapply, who for half a century stood tall among the giants of a generation of beloved sporting writers. These included Lee Wulff, Burton Spiller, Ted Trueblood, Corey Ford, Harold Blaisdell, and others who were his colleagues, friends and companions in the field.Though he was a renowned editor and author (for forty years his "Tap's Tips" and "Sportsman's Notebook" columns have appeared in Field & Stream), Tap's greatest expertise may have been in fatherhood. "I became Dad's hunting and fishing partner," Bill Tapply recalls, "as soon as I proved I could keep up with him in the woods, take my fair turn at the oars, and keep my mouth shut from the back seat." His father taught him scores of useful skills, but also that a sportsman's life demanded more important qualities. Venture into the outdoors, his every gesture said, with awe and respect. Cherish nature's fragile mysteries and love her wild creatures. Carry a fly rod or a shotgun for the focus they provide. Treasure the amiable companion.This is the priceless legacy that any sportsman can - and should - bequeath to his son. Nowhere has this been better portrayed than in this intimate, moving, and wise portrait of a remarkable man and a memorable father-son relationship. (53/4 X 81/2, 132 pages)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 132 pages
• Publisher: Lyons & Burford; 1st edition (October 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558212442
• ISBN-13: 978-1558212442
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,308,492 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Revisiting the lives & writings of Bill & Tap Tapply, January 6, 2012

By 

Corinne H. Smith (Athol, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: Sportsman's Legacy (Paperback)

This paperback update of a 1993 edition includes additional photos, personal essays, and memoir-stories of two men who unfortunately no longer walk among us. While the selections actually chronicle the history of four generations, the effort serves mainly as a dual tribute to William G. "Bill" Tapply (1940-2009) and his father, Horace G. "Tap" Tapply (1910-2002). Here we accompany their fishing and hunting "ex-plores;" learn about the process of professional writing; and witness the give-and-take of the father-son relationship. Most of the book was written by Bill Tapply, with new introductions provided by both his son Mike and his wife Vickie.

Each kind of Tapply fan will find something worthwhile here. Outdoors-folk will appreciate the scenes of fly-fishing and grouse hunting, as well as the instructions for tying the "Nearenuf" fly. Dog lovers will devour the Brittany spaniel appearances. Writers may have heard some of Bill's advice elsewhere, but his guidelines are good to revisit. Mystery fans will be pleased with the addition of "The Phil 'n' Bill Show" and the details of the Tapply-Craig collaboration on three Brady Coyne / J.W. Jackson mysteries. Here we "tap" into the familiarity of friendship and of natural New England, with a narrative that's as easy-going as a slow-moving trout stream on a late summer morning. That is, until we reach one of the last essays, which resolves in an unexpected, quite emotional moment. Eventually we all end up writing about our fathers.

I was fortunate enough to chat with Bill Tapply on several occasions, and I am honored to own a signed copy of Bitch Creek: A Novel. I do my best to follow his commanding inscription, "Keep writing!" I wish he were still around to do the same.

Especially poignant since it is among his last publications, this book is recommended for the wide variety of Bill Tapply readers.