F.M. HALFORD AND THE DRY-FLY REVOLUTION. By Tony Hayter.

2002 1st edition. Large 8vo (160 x 240mm). Pp272. Colour photographs and illustrations, bibliography. Black boards, gilt spine titles.

F.M. Halford and the Dry-Fly Revolution is the first full-length biography of the man who did more than anyone to codify and popularise the doctrine of the dry-fly on chalk streams. By the end of his life, with the publication of seven books and over 200 articles, the name of Halford had come to be known in all parts of the world where fly-fishing for trout was practised. Today his name is still recognised worldwide as being synonymous with the fishing of the dry fly. Tony Hayter is the only author to have been given access to the family papers, including Halford's angling journals, and has thus been able to produce a work of original research. The book also sets the historical context in which Halford lived, follows him through his unusual career, considers the influence upon him of other major figures of the era, such as Marryat, Hall and Sanctuary, and discusses why Halford has often been misunderstood and criticised since his death. This book, which contains many previously unseen illustrations, makes a substantial contribution to angling history. Packed with anecdote, incident and newly unearthed detail, through which runs a strong narrative thread, F.M. Halford and the Dry-Fly Revolution makes irresistible reading for anyone seriously interested in angling.