The Classic Guide to Fly Fishing - Ed. H. Cholmondeley-Pennell
Cholmondeley-Pennell was one of those Victorian gentlemen who was never shy of sharing his opinions. He wrote extensively on angling, particularly on the subject of contemporary fishing tackle - his book "Modern Improvements in Fishing Tackle and Fish Hooks" is an excellent source of information on the mechanics of nineteenth century fishing. Not content with merely writing about tackle, he also made several material contributions including the popularisation of the eyed hook, an improved design for a fly reel and a tackle rig for bait fishing as well as the "Black Pennell", the trout fly that still bears his name.
This book is actually a reprint of a volume from "The Badminton Library (of Sport and Pastimes)" though the text is slightly abridged and many of the illustrations omitted. In its original form, this was the volume on Salmon and Trout Fishing, edited by Pennell but with contributions from three other authors, including Frederick Halford whose work on the "floating fly" is respected throughout angling literature.
This book is actually a reprint of a volume from "The Badminton Library (of Sport and Pastimes)" though the text is slightly abridged and many of the illustrations omitted. In its original form, this was the volume on Salmon and Trout Fishing, edited by Pennell but with contributions from three other authors, including Frederick Halford whose work on the "floating fly" is respected throughout angling literature.
The original Badminton edition sells for more than £30, but this reprint, though slightly flawed, represents an accesible insight into nineteenth century angling culture. I would be the first to admit that it is not an easy book to read, writing styles have changed significantly in the intervening years, but persistence is rewarded with an extraordinary insight into the past.
A final note about where to find this Book of the Month. It's actually one of those books that turns up in the shoal of amusing/irritating/bizarre books that are sold in garden centres, and though the cover price is £9.99 you can expect to pay less than £5. Ideal for a stocking filler!
Book of the Month will be taking a rest in 2018, there are other projects within WVFFM that are going to need some attention, please keep an eye on "Latest News", but I hope this last year's selection has at least been interesting. Merry Christmas to all our readers!
A final note about where to find this Book of the Month. It's actually one of those books that turns up in the shoal of amusing/irritating/bizarre books that are sold in garden centres, and though the cover price is £9.99 you can expect to pay less than £5. Ideal for a stocking filler!
Book of the Month will be taking a rest in 2018, there are other projects within WVFFM that are going to need some attention, please keep an eye on "Latest News", but I hope this last year's selection has at least been interesting. Merry Christmas to all our readers!