BELOW THE WEIR: METHODS AND MEMORIES OF THAMES TROUT ANGLING.

2008 1st edition. Large 8vo (180 x 258mm). Pp230. B/w illustrations by Paul Cook, and some from old catalogues, bibliography. Black boards, spine titled in gilt.

A good anthology of writings from the heyday of trout fishing on the Thames. "Spanning a period of more than 100 years, [this book] charts the rise and decline of [trout in the Thames] and, along the way, gives not only a wonderful insight into the angling practices of the [Edwardian period] and the gentlemen anglers who, by dint of privilege, had the means and opportunity to seek such a coveted prize, but evocatively brings to life a time long since gone when the river was still an unspoilt rural idyll." Many contributors from the latter part of Victoria's reign and the first fifty years of the twentieth century: Edward Jesse, Francis Francis, H. Cholomondeley-Pennell, J.J. Manley, J.H. Keene, John Bickerdyke, William Senior, H. Wheeley, 'Otter,' F.H. Amphlett, F.M. Halford, Philip Geen, J. Martin, 'Red Quill,' H.T. Sheringham, A. Courtney Williams, Patrick R. Chalmers, W. Carter Platts, Warren Hastings and A. Edward Hobbs. Many good b/w illustrations by Paul Cook. This is an open edition of which the first 500 copies are numbered and signed by the publisher.