Compleat Angler

First published in 1653, Izaak Walton's "e;The Compleat Angler"e; is a classic and much-loved treatise on the art of fishing. Immediately popular after its publication, "e;The Compleat Angler"e; was reprinted and updated numerous times by Walton. Written as a conversation between the fictional characters of the experienced angler Piscator and his student Viator, which was changed to a hunter named Venator in later editions, the treatise is part an instructional manual on how to catch and eat fish and part a loving tribute to the English pastoral lifestyle and its incredible scenery. Walton's influential manual was written shortly after the end of the English Civil War, a time of great upheaval and unrest, and extolled a return to a simpler life in the countryside as an antidote to national and personal tragedy. In 1676, Walton's friend and fellow fishing enthusiast, Charles Cotton, added a second part which included lessons on fly fishing and tying flies, thus expanding the volume significantly. Both of these two parts are included here in this edition. "e;The Compleat Angler"e; is a timeless masterpiece on the art and sport of fishing.