Land of Little Rivers: A Story in Photos of Catskill Fly Fishing (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Enrico Ferorelli (Photographer), Austin McK. Francis (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is an amazing book. It seems as if every page brings another pastoral landscape, sharp portrait, beautifully drawn map, or exceptional fly photograph. Ferorelli, a photographer for Life and National Geographic, has produced some stunning photographs, and the Catskills and fly fishing seem woven together in his compositions. Although the text could not hope to match the intensity of the photographs and artwork, Francis's prose is easy to read and moves the reader along through descriptions of the major Catskill streams, the tackle and flies originated in the region, and a fine history of the famous Catskill anglers and clubs. The author's previous work, Catskill Rivers: Birthplace of American Fly Fishing (Lyons, 1996), covers much of the same historical ground. Fly fishing has produced a number of beautiful books, but this work exceeds any that this reviewer has seen. Although the topic may sound regional, the book has national appeal for anglers and lovers of photography. Highly recommended.DJeff Grossman, Milwaukee Area Technical Coll.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A visually stunning achievement...a felicitous blend of illustrations and text." -- Nelson Bryant, The New York Times

"An engrossing gem...this fly-casting extravaganza is a flip-through delight for anyone caught up in natural history." -- USA Today

"LAND OF LITTLE RIVERS is a treasure, a beautiful book, eloquently, wonderfully written, and movingly illustrated. An instant classic." -- Dan Rather, CBS News

"One of the most beautiful fishing books ever published." -- Outdoor Life

"This is a beautifully illustrated and exhaustively researched tribute to flyfishing in the Catskill Mountains of New York." -- Sports Illustrated

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 270 pages
• Publisher: Beaverkill Press LLP. (October 17, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393048551
• ISBN-13: 978-0393048551
• Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 9.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #807,579 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Work of Love, February 9, 2000

By	Jan Normandale (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews

Masterwork on the Catskills

Austin Francis' newest title is the logical conclusion of his earlier Catskills title, a benchmark in it's own right.This far ranging book both entertains and informs in a charming style reminiscent of a relaxed evening of conversation with a well read old friend.

The book is at the author's peak.It covers the geology, streams, people, history, legends,clubs and flyfishing history of the Catskills. I doubt if a better work has ever been done on any watershed. If you have never been to the Catskills or if you have it makes no difference this book is superlative. The research and photography are the highest level. The work Mr Francis has done here deserves everyone's gratitude. He has documented and preserved an important piece of American history.

Thank you Mr Francis

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece of Story, Photos and History, November 28, 1999

By	Lisa Shaver Ratner (Lew Beach, New York) - See all my reviews

Right from the beautiful cover, this book is a must have for every angler and conservationist. A detailed history with the most inspirational photographs. Truly a work of genius by both writer and photographer

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has made my gift shopping a no-brainer!, July 8, 2000

By	Charles Silbert (Ridgefield, CT USA) - See all my reviews

As I opened the package that contained my copy of Land of Little Rivers I expected a great book. I had read Mac FrancisŐs earlier book, Catskill Rivers, twice. Within minutes I realized the word "great" was wholly insufficient to describe this exquisite volume. At first I was caught by the, near mystical beauty of Enrico FerorelliŐs photographs--by themselves, more than worth the price of the book! But it is Mac FrancisŐs words that captured my heart and imagination completely. They carried me along, hour after hour, through this absorbing, beautifully told story of the birthplace of American fly fishing.

The author ends his introduction, trying to define the almost supernatural power inherent in the Catskill fly-fishing tradition, with these words: "I believe it is this power -- call it passion, dedication, commitment, vision, love, or what you will -- that has inspired the myriad fly fishers who in small ways and large have created, fought for, and extended a great sporting tradition in a hallowed land, and I respect the honor of presenting them, their feats, and their little rivers in these pages."

With this book, Mac Francis does more than simply honor a great tradition; he and Land of Little Rivers become a part of it.