CARP ALONG THE WAY. VOLUME ONE. By Rod Hutchinson.

(2008) 2010 reprint. 8vo (155 x 217mm). Pp272. Colour and b/w photographs, b/w illustrations. Black boards, spine titled in silver-gilt.

"Autobiographical compilation of Rod's published and unpublished material covering his formative years... and his carp-fishing exploits from the early sixties to the late eighties. Some of the material was originally written in the early sixties and has never previously seen the light of day. ...Rod has [subsequently] added to these chapters as his memory has been stirred, or [as] he has felt a need to fill some of the gaps. The balance of the book consists of some of Rod's most enduring anecdotal material published in monthly angling magazines through the seventies and eighties. Material covering Rod's carping life beyond the late eighties will appear in the second volume... [This present volume] traces the development of Rod's carp addiction with searing honesty, and much humour, but in the process it also covers the development of carp fishing itself over a period of almost fifty years, from the largely uncharted dark ages of the early sixties onwards. The book is, in turn, touching, irreverent, hilarious, exciting, informative, and eye-opening. Most importantly it is a stunningly entertaining read and an absolute must-have addition to any angler's bookshelf. Simply put there never has been, and never will be, a greater carp-fishing story-teller than Rod, and here is a book packed with the great man's exploits and his greatest anecdotal material." Chapters include: First memories; First trip; Outing; Tenchy Ted; School days; Opportunity taken; Expelled; Aftermath and early jobs; Cinema visit; Hooked for life; Maggie; Courting disaster; Carp session, first mirror; A year's experience; Marriage; Transport traumas; Employment traumas!; The rock 'n' roll years; The cruel sea; Harpo Hitler and Smelly Belly; Pinetrees pool passion; Pinetrees preoccupation; Kent calamities and carp; The way ahead.