FEATHER CRAFT: THE AMAZING BIRDS AND FEATHERS USED IN CLASSIC SALMON FLIES. By Kevin W. Erickson.

2017 1st edition. 4to (220 x 286mm). Ppxvi,272. Colour photographs throughout, colour illustrations, brief bibliography. Fawn paper-covered boards, spine titled in black.

"Classic salmon flies are considered the 'high art' of fly tying. Often combining a mix of exotic furs, yarns, flosses, feathers, and other materials in a formal design intended to catch the eye of the angler as much or more than the eye of the fish, some classic salmon flies contain up to thirty or more materials in one fly. The finished flies are a combination of incredible natural beauty and inspired human design and craftsmanship, often bordering on fine art. The birds and their feathers come in an incredible variety of sizes, shapes, textures, and colours. One would never know so many different birds exist and wouldn't normally encounter them unless one was active in tying classic salmon flies or were a very avid bird enthusiast dedicated to searching out the most exotic species imaginable. Evolution has produced a huge diversity of species and subspecies with amazing differences and yet common similarities in all. The structure of the feathers where fibers from totally different birds can be joined or 'married' together - as if the combination came from one single bird - is fascinating and almost magical. This first ever photographic and illustrated guide to the unusual and beautiful feathers used in salmon fly patterns guides you through sixteen classic and current flies with over 450 complete step-by-step photos. Kevin Erickson shares his techniques for working with feathers and provides modern substitutes to more obscure feathers used in traditional salmon fly tying. Macro photos of individual feathers, striking portraits of complete capes, and classic portraits of birds in the field by Portland, Oregon, area artist Allison McClay bring life to the text and make for a visually stunning book." "All fly tiers and anglers will find this concise, informative, and colourful work fascinating... the 'wow' factor is huge. Get it!" (Randall Kaufmann).