THE FLY. By Andrew Herd.

(2001) 2003 2nd edition. 8vo paperback with flaps (138 x 217mm). Pp381. Colour plates of flies, colour and b/w photographs and illustrations, bibliography.

A fascinating and immensely thorough look at the history of flyfishing. Dr Herd is well-known for his witty contributions to Waterlog Magazine. The first cloth-bound edition was limited to 500 copies. This cheaper edition has colour plates and includes the index that was wanting from the first edition. 'It is just terrific - thoughtful, tightly but not stiffly reasoned, both informative and entertaining, and just wonderfully written with liveliness and wit.' - Tom Leeson '. . . one of the best pieces of writing and thought in fly fishing literature.' - John Betts 'The new standard reference work . . . it is the broadly inquiring nature of the thing that makes it so exciting.' - Paul Schullery, The American Fly Fisher