The Compleat Angler by Izaak Walton and Charles Cotton, Edited by Richard le Galliene, 1897

Walton, Izaak, Cotton, Charles, The Compleat Angler. New York, London: John Lane, 1897. Rebound in full green leather boards with gilt tooling and stamps to boards and spine and a custom cloth slipcase. 

The Complete Angler was first published in 1653 by Richard Marriot of St Dunstan-in-the-West out of London, UK. Izaak Walton continued to add to the original book for a quarter of a century. The book was written in celebration of the art and spirit of fishing in the form of prose and verse.

This beautiful edition is a reprint of the 1676 fifth edition, with modernized spelling and completely new setting.  Published in 1897, this book features editing and an introduction by Richard le Galliene.  The volume is illustrated by artist Edmund New.

The Compleat Angler remains one of the most important environmental books in history. Through the character of Piscator, Walton teaches the reader about fish and fishing while also imparting a view of the natural world that was revolutionary at the time. Walton understood that a healthy environment was essential to the outdoor recreation that he loved, and used the story of Piscator and a novice fisherman to show how a healthy environment supports the art of angling.

CONDITION:

Overall very good condition, considering age and past use. The book has been fully rebound in green Moroccan leather. It features raised bands and elaborate gilt hand-tooling on the spine with fish motifs as well as gilt stamped title, author, and date of publication. The front and back boards feature a decorative gilt border. The front board includes a custom gilt embossed angler design, based on one of the book's illustrations. Deckled edges. The original linen and green cloth front board has been preserved and tipped into the back of the book's binding. Interior paper is very healthy. Illustrated throughout, in black and white full and half page illustrations. The book is presented in a new custom cloth slipcase with gilt embossed angler design on front. Dimensions: 10 5/8" H x 7 3/4" W x 3 3/4" D (with slipcase).