FLY-FISHING: FACT VS. FICTION. By Jo Rippier.

2016 1st edition. 8vo (144 x 211mm). Pp125,i. B/w photograph, b/w illustrations from old cartoons taken from Punch. Cream cloth, spine titled in gilt.

A collection of the author's articles and short stories along with the full script of his play, Fine and Far Off, which was previously published in a limited edition of 333 copies. The author also includes accounts of meetings and friendships with various well-known anglers such as T.C. Kingsmill-Moore and Hugh Falkus, the latter of which wrote to the author with a rather harsh critique of his play. The letter is reproduced in full and as Theo Pike said in his review of this book for the Flyfisher's Journal "...that letter and its context are probably worth the cover price alone." "This collection brings together Jo Rippier's writings about fishing, fact and fiction, and in one case 'dramatic'. He has recorded memorable experiences that occurred during his life in his pursuit of fish, and meeting unusual personalities, such as Mr Justice T.C. Kingsmill Moore ('Saracen'), and Hugh Falkus, as well as letting his imagination provide a number of fictional tales. Together they provide the reader with a variety of enjoyable stories and articles, and some historical illustrations, mostly from Punch, ideal for fishermen with time on their hands." Contents include:- One thing leads to another; Red letter day; Evolution; Dog and dogged days; A sedge for all seasons; Logic and a split decision; A Conn-undrum; An unusual experience; Fun and failure; Letter to a friend; Ego-denting; A moment in time; Itching to fish; The end of the day; Bavaria's Dr Duncan; Kingsmill Moore and Ballynahinch; A unique personality; Aegina; As I lay; Sweet chavender; Day-flies; A deeply objective fairy tale; A morning in Northern Ireland; Achilles heel; Fine and Far Off.