OLD FATHER THAMES. By Peter Stone. With illustrations by John Searl.

1997 1st edition. 8vo (148 x 212mm). Pp179. B/w illustrations by John Searl, map, silk marker ribbon. Blue cloth with blind-stamped decoration to upper board, upper board and spine titled in gilt.

This is the story of a lifetime spent fishing the Thames. Much loved Thames angler Peter Stone recalls his many adventures on this most historic river: the time he went with his father to night-line for eels in the 1930s; watching brown trout chasing minnows; his first sight of wild otters; chub fishing on the dry fly; and an amusing account of pike fishing in C.S. Lewis' garden! Attractive black and white illustrations by John Searl and a foreword by Peter Drennan. This first edition was limited to 900 numbered cloth-bound and 93 leather-bound copies and quickly sold out*. Loosely laid in to this copy is the original invitation to the book's launch, a leaflet, slightly stained but signed by Peter Stone, advertising "Old Father Thames: An evening of fishy tales, songs and sketches told, sung and performed by St Peter's Players and Friends in honour of Peter Stone, at Wolvercote Village Hall, 1st of July 2000", and a slightly rubbed copy of the Memorial Service for Peter Stone, held at St Peter's Church, Wolvercote, 5th of December 2000.