TALES OF FISHES. By Zane Grey. 1991 Derrydale Press limited edition.

(1919) 1991 Derrydale Press edition. 4to (190 x 270mm). Ppxi,267. Colour plate, b/w photographs, pictorial end-papers. Full turquoise bonded leather, spine and upper board titled and decorated in gilt, silk marker. Edition limited to 2500 copies.

"...a well written description of ocean demands of trying to land the largest and most numerous catches of swordfish, marlin, tuna and several other species of deep water fish. Imagine listening to story after story of fighting a three hundred pound fish for several hours only to have it break the line as it was being brought in... It was quite a departure from the typical stories of the old west. Maybe he wanted to do something different. The book does end with an essay on the importance of being environmentally conscious as one fishes the oceans. Even in 1918 when this was written there were indications that some species were becoming overfished and were in danger of disappearing altogether". (Gerald Matzke)