LETTERS TO A SALMON FISHER'S SONS. By A.H. Chaytor. Modern Fishing Classics series.

(1910, 1936) 1983 paperback edition. Small 8vo (129 x 197mm). Ppxxviii,316. B/w photograph plates, illustrations. Reprinted from the 4th edition (1936).

A.H. Chaytor published his Letters to a Salmon Fisher's Sons in 1910. Other than Scrope, there have been few books on salmon fishing which deserve the name of "classic." Chaytor's book is one of those rare exceptions. It is a unique distillation of wisdom and experience, covering every aspect of salmon fishing. It is charmingly written in the form of letters to the author's two sons, showing the love, enthusiasm, acute observations and knowledge of a great salmon fisherman. Its advice is as relevant today as it was on the day of its first publication: Chaytor led the way to modern ideas, with a special influence on fly-dressing. Hugh Falkus writes in his Introduction to the Flyfisher's Classic Library edition: "When it comes to the practical 'what to do?' approach to salmon fishing, Chaytor offers some of the best advice ever written. On the subject of where and when to expect salmon he is particularly good - voicing, as usual, an original thought. If fate could give me the chance of spending a day with any salmon fisher of the past, I think I would chose Chaytor." Taken from the fourth edition of 1936 and charmingly written, its advice is as relevant now as when it was written.