- 828
Walton, Izaak
Description
- Walton, Izaak
- The Compleat Angler or the Contemplative man's Recreation. Being a Discourse of Fish and Fishing, not unworthy the perusal of most Anglers. London: T. Maxey for Rich. Marriot, 1653
- Paper, Ink
Provenance
Literature
Catalogue Note
Written partially in quiet opposition to Cromwell’s “grave men,” the Compleat Angler has endured for some 350 years, as much a memoir of the solace to be found in nature as it is a technical fishing manual (though the dialogue between angler and traveller is inclusive from catch to cookery).
"...Sir, There are many men that are by others taken to be serious grave men, which we contemn and pitie; men of sowre complexiouns; mony-getting-men, that spend all their time first in getting, and next in anxious care to keep it: men that are condemn'd to be rich, and alwayes discontented, or busie. For these poor-rich-men, wee Anglers pitie them ... For (trust me, Sir) we enjoy a contentednesse above the reach of such dispositions..."
Westwood & Satchell noted that “a First Walton confers distinction upon its owner... Copies rarely reach the auction room" which might be amended slightly to take into account that lesser, heavily restored though nicely bound copies are not uncommon on the market, but examples for which no caveat is needed, such as the present, are rarely landed.
"The text of this charming idyll was greatly expanded in the second and later editions which gives to this edition an importance other than that due its priority" (Pforzheimer).