The Compleat Angler, or The Contemplative Man's Recreation
London: George Harrap & Co, [1931].
The Compleat Angler, or The Contemplative Man's Recreation
London: George Harrap & Co, [1931]. First Thus. Original vellum with gilt to spine and front board. Top edge gilt. Scattered spotting to boards and toning to spine. Front hinge tender; small crack to upper rear joint but both holding well. Bookplate to front pastedown. Preliminaries toned and foxed, but textblock and illustrations largely clean and unmarked. Signed limited edition, this number 498 of 775.
First published in 1653, Walton's work stands alone as the quintessential work of fishing prose. Combined with Arthur Rackham's exceptional illustrations, The Compleat Angler becomes a visual joy and an ideal gift for aficionados. Produced at a time of ill health for both Rackham and his artist wife Edyth, the book was one of several designed to help reignite interest in his work and generate income for the couple. Its release coincided with several exhibitions of his illustrations in New York. Very Good + (Item #2937)
