HARDY BROTHERS: THE MASTERS, THE MEN AND THEIR REELS. 1873 - 1939. By John Drewett. Standard edition in dust-wrapper.

1998 1st edition. Large 4to (200 x 290mm). Ppxiv,586. Colour photographs and illustrations. Red boards, spine titled in silver-gilt.

Foreword by Jim Hardy. In this book John Drewett chronicles the history of the Alnwick firm of Hardy Brothers from its beginning. His short profiles on those members of the Hardy family who were involved in the business, together with information gathered from interviews with many of the retired reelmakers, combine to provide a fascinating insight into a company which was to become England's most illustrious manufacturer of fishing tackle. The book moves on to chart, in chronological order and within their respective categories, the many diverse reels Hardy's offered for sale between the years 1873 and 1939. Information on the various production sequences has, where possible, been sought from those who were concerned with the production of the reels, an exercise which sometimes appeared to be a race against time as the Grim Reaper exacted his toll. By combining such practical knowledge with his own extensive experience, John Drewett has succeeded in producing a book that both entertains and informs. No reader should find this book wanting, whether he be desirous of a good read, or simply making a quick foray for specific information. Every effort has been made to ensure that where possible the quality of the photographs in this book are commensurate to that of Hardy's tackle.