THE NEW COMPLEAT ANGLER. By Stephen Downes. Illustrated by Martin Knowelden.

(1983) later reprint. 4to (229 x 297mm). Pp176. Colour plates by Martin Knowelden, foreword by Richard Walker. Olive boards, spine titled in gilt.

A good book at a good price - Dick Walker called it magnificent! "In this invaluable new book you will be made privy to the habits and strategies of each of the freshwater fish, and the ingenious methods required to lure them to you. The author discusses the life of the sporting chub, the weed-loving reclusive tench, the voracious pike, the repulsive wels, the biting trout, the leaping salmon and shoals more. He describes, with numerous fascinating asides and enchanting diversions, the etymology of their names and their evolutionary descent. His knowledgeable yet humorous text is complemented by the outstanding illustrations created especially for this book." Chapters include: A fish like ripe grapes; Ice-Age relics; Legendary monster; The pursuit of the uneatable; Pikebait, matchweight; Idle longevity; Tiddlers; Up from the estuary; Oddities; The mysterious eel. The foreword is by Richard Walker.