TROUT BUM. By John Gierach.

(1986) 1993 1st UK edition. 8vo (155 x 235mm). Ppxii,227. Colour frontispiece, b/w vignette illustrations. Grey cloth-backed boards.

This is the first and finest collection of short writings on flyfishing by this intelligent, thoughtful and very funny author; many aspiring flyfishing authors try to emulate John Gierach, but no-one comes close. "Flyfishing .. .. with grace and dignity, you can move into a world that doesn't mind your being there .. .. and Trout Bum is the flyfisher's bible." Eric Clapton. Chapters include: Trout; Lightening the load; Zen and the art of nymph-fishing; The bass pond; Fishing commandos; Camp coffee; No-see-ums; The fly collection; Kazan River grayling; Cane rods; The fisher of small streams; Sawhill portrait; Headwaters; Turning pro; The fly rod; The Adams hatch; Night-fishing; Cutthroat pilgrimage; The fly box; On the road. The very best of bedside reading for the committed trout fisherman.