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Izaak Walton
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The Compleat Angler Paperback – December 17, 2003

by Izaak Walton (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars 552 ratings
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"Breathes the very spirit of innocence, purity, and simplicity of heart . . . it would sweeten a man's temper at any time to read it." — Charles Lamb
First published in 1653, this literary and nature classic was created by a Londoner with a passion for rustic life. As satisfying a primer on fishing as any angler could wish, it celebrates the art and spirit of fishing with verse, song and folklore, moral reflections, and timeless wisdom. Cast in the form of a dialogue between the veteran angler Piscator and his pupil Viator, it both informs and delights with an ingenious exploration of fishing's subtle intricacies and the pleasures of the natural world.
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  1. Print length
    176 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Dover Publications
  4. Publication date
    December 17, 2003
  5. Dimensions
    5.51 x 0.39 x 8.27 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0486431878
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0486431871
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dover Publications
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 17, 2003
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0486431878
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0486431871
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.51 x 0.39 x 8.27 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 552 ratings

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Izaak Walton

Izaak Walton

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
552 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a must-read, with one noting it has delighted readers for centuries. Moreover, they appreciate its classic content, with one review highlighting its insights into 1700s literature. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its philosophical approach and fresh perspective on fly fishing.

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ReadabilityClassic contentPhilosophyVisual styleEnjoyment
28 customers mention "Readability"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, noting it is a must-read that delights readers for centuries and is good for any fisherperson.

"What is there to say about this wonderful book that has delighted readers for centuries? If you like fishing, you should like this book...." Read more

"...But, be that as it may, The Compleat Angler is a wonderful, mid-winter, sitting by the fire, waiting for spring, read. Enjoy. 5 stars, easy." Read more

"...are timeless nuggets of wisdom that make this an invaluable read to the thoughtful fisherman...." Read more

"...It is worth the effort but only if one has the historical interest to have a deep look back at this subject and style Cactus Ken." Read more

12 customers mention "Classic content"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the classic content of the book, with one customer noting its timeless nature and another highlighting its historical significance from the 1700s.

"This classic work that is ostensibly about fishing is really a wonderful philosophical and humanistic commentary...." Read more

"...This was as insight into literature of the 1700's with thoughts regarding philosophy of appreciating nature, rivers and fish and fishing techniques..." Read more

"An absolute classic! How could anyone give less than 5 stars?..." Read more

"This is a classic book and a must read for really serious, dedicated fly fishermen...." Read more

12 customers mention "Philosophy"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the philosophical content of the book, describing it as wonderful and timeless, with one customer noting its unwavering faith behind the writing.

"...Though the language is a bit archaic it still is easy to read for the most part, so give this book a read before you go out fishing next time!" Read more

"...Written with grace and verbal sophistication it nonetheless comes off as a homey and loving view of the gift of just being alive...." Read more

"...as insight into literature of the 1700's with thoughts regarding philosophy of appreciating nature, rivers and fish and fishing techniques of all..." Read more

"...Over 300 years after it was written, it still has some of the best observations ever made about why we fish...." Read more

4 customers mention "Visual style"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the visual style of the book, with one noting its beautiful illustrations and fresh approach to fly fishing.

"...with grace and verbal sophistication it nonetheless comes off as a homey and loving view of the gift of just being alive...." Read more

"...The book is printed in "China" hence the cheap price. The illustrations are beautiful and that makes it a very lovely book to read...." Read more

"...The book itself could best be described as quaint." Read more

"I enjoyed this fresh look at fly fishing (fishing) that is centuries old. Told in a thoughtful way it was a true page Turner...." Read more

3 customers mention "Enjoyment"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, with one describing it as a very peaceful pastime.

"...Verbose, dated, yet, well, fun. Not so much a practical guide as a fun read for people who love to fish...." Read more

"...It is very entertaining and worth the read" Read more

"...It can be a very peaceful pastime and one with the potential for considerable rewards as described by Mr. Walton." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Robert Varner
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book that has charmed readers for centuries
    Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    What is there to say about this wonderful book that has delighted readers for centuries? If you like fishing, you should like this book. If you like charming stories of a time when the world was still clean and pure, you should like this book. If you like both, you should love this book. But be warned: it contains evidence that Izaak Walton may have plagiarized the story from an earlier and very rare treatise on the pleasures of fishing and the rural life. Horrors! Could it be? Well...possibly. You should read the book to explore this mystery. Highly recommended.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Joe Z
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cantebury tales - with fish
    Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2012
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    If you fish and you're a reader, then this is right up your alley. Verbose, dated, yet, well, fun. Not so much a practical guide as a fun read for people who love to fish. I've found more practical advice in A Treatise of Fishing with an Angle (modern spelling) by Dame Juliana Berner. Her book is more succinct and the flies she recommends are still with us today! But, be that as it may, The Compleat Angler is a wonderful, mid-winter, sitting by the fire, waiting for spring, read. Enjoy. 5 stars, easy.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Robert B. Lloyd
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good book to understand the spirit of fishing
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Being an avid angler, and having heard of this book in passing before, I downloaded this free copy. Though this book is very old, there are timeless nuggets of wisdom that make this an invaluable read to the thoughtful fisherman. First, the reason I gave it four stars out of five is because there are several portions of the book that focused more on fishing tactics, which to me seemed dated and obsolete (plus it was in England, so there were different fish species). However when the discussion turned towards the joys of fishing and how it benefits the soul this book shined. Along with sharing poetry, the book discussed how fishing has emotional and even spiritual benefits (something I fully believe). Though the language is a bit archaic it still is easy to read for the most part, so give this book a read before you go out fishing next time!
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Edward Blanchard
    5.0 out of 5 stars ... work that is ostensibly about fishing is really a wonderful philosophical and humanistic commentary
    Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This classic work that is ostensibly about fishing is really a wonderful philosophical and humanistic commentary. Written with grace and verbal sophistication it nonetheless comes off as a homey and loving view of the gift of just being alive. The work is mentioned in a film of Jane Austin's "Pride and Prejudice" with great affection by Elizabeth's uncle in conversation with the now very pleasant Darcy. What fun to read the original. "Are you a complete fisherman?" "Ah, Mr. Walton's book is my bible."
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Cactus Ken
    3.0 out of 5 stars An echo of the voice of fishing's history from the 1700's.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    After many allusions to this work,I decided to review it in the middle of an interest in literary fishing history. This was as insight into literature of the 1700's with thoughts regarding philosophy of appreciating nature, rivers and fish and fishing techniques of all types. The appeal is not limited to trout fishing alone and much of the work does not deal with trout nor fly fishing. It is worth the effort but only if one has the historical interest to have a deep look back at this subject and style Cactus Ken.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jesse James
    5.0 out of 5 stars nice book for the price
    Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    this has got to be one of my favorite tomes. I could read it over and over again. The book is printed in "China" hence the cheap price. The illustrations are beautiful and that makes it a very lovely book to read. Don't buy the book expecting to be versed on methods of fly fishing because the methods taught by Walton are indeed "dated". Buy the book to learn about life and how life should be lived in harmony with God and man and nature.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Daniel J. Worth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Every fisherman should read this book- really!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2016
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    An absolute classic! How could anyone give less than 5 stars? Over 300 years after it was written, it still has some of the best observations ever made about why we fish. The humble spirit and unwavering faith behind the writing, however, is what really makes it superb.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • AH Adams
    5.0 out of 5 stars A classic. Read it.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I would highly recommend this book to anyone, regardless of their interest in fishing. I purchased a copy for my father, and he loves it. Some people might consider it a little slow - if you like fast short reads, this is probably not for you.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • bookweasel
    5.0 out of 5 stars For the serious angler and the lover of history
    Reviewed in Canada on November 2, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    If you are a sport fisherman then this is a must read as a part of your history and heritage. If you are interested in social history then this is a great read for insights into the world of Walton. You have to get past the language barrier but worth it.
    As a book on fishing technique it still has value as a comparative study with today. Much has not changed.
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  • Jai Singh
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book.
    Reviewed in India on August 25, 2019
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    An all time classic for all those who love nature!
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  • palmarino
    1.0 out of 5 stars A must-have text, vilified by the worst binding ever
    Reviewed in Italy on May 28, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The text is a must have for any fishing passionate. This book is, in a way, an heritage to preserve.

    However, the binding offered by the editor 'Createspace Independent Pub' is offensive to the content of the book. The text is copy-pasted in a simple word file, with no formatting at all and a font size of probably 8 or 9 (it is very small). Indents, paragraphs, headings, etc. are probably considered hipster mania for choosy readers.

    The text is kind of photocopied on A4 and the cover is made with an heavier paper and that's all. I bought two copies, and the covers have different alignment on the side. Meaning that even the ligature is poor, on top of the editing and printing.

    Buy the text, but be aware and choose another publisher.
    Report
  • Helen Wheamazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Far more to this book than meets the eye.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 7, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Very good indeed. However, it should be added that the Compleat Angler was not written foremost as an angling book. A more correct title would be the Compleat Anglican, written to encourage the priests thrown out of their livings and in hiding or exile during the Civil War to stay true to the faith. It's religious teachings are hidden but would be clearly understood by those well ground in the faith. The publishing of the work in style and method of production was a costly undertaking and clearly more expensive to publish than it's rather modest price would make possible without significant financial backing. It is likely that it was a publication backed by the powerful members of the Great Chew Circle, the underground organisation which kept alive the Anglican Persuasion when it 'hung like a thread' during the years when the Cromwelians and Puritanism ruled belief in religious worship. All this has been well researched over many years, and to suggest the book is nothing more than a pastoral volume of fishing lore is now an inaccurate conclusion. This should have been made clear in this recording, as indeed the fact that Izaak Walton was, without a doubt, a Royalist secret agent who gave great personal service to Charles the First during his imprisonment at peril of his own life. Peter Wheat, Poole, Dorset.
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  • Client d'Amazon
    4.0 out of 5 stars Police de caractère très petite!
    Reviewed in France on January 7, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Grand classique de la littérature anglaise que je souhaitais relire, la taille de police du texte est cependant un obstacle à une lecture agréable.
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