RIVER KEEPER: THE LIFE OF WILLIAM JAMES LUNN. By John Waller Hills. Flyfisher's Classic Library edition.

(1934) 1998 new edition. 8vo (160 x 240mm). Pp176. B/w photograph frontispiece, sixteen full-page b/w photographs at rear. Fully bound in dark blue bonded leather, gilt FFCL motif to upper board, marbled end-papers, silk marker ribbon, top edge gilt, spine titled in gilt. Dark blue cloth-bound slipcase.

This is the handsomely bound Flyfisher's Classic Library edition limited to only 950 numbered copies. This edition contains a new introduction by Tom Fort. William Lunn was appointed keeper on the Houghton Water on the River Test on 1st January 1887, and remained there for 45 years. This book contains his views on chalkstream management, weed-cutting, restocking with mayfly, trout hatching etc., as well as his approach to fishing and his fly dressings, including the famous Lunn's Particular. "This book really is a gold-mine of information; every page has precious gems about river management, vermin control, observations about aquatic insect or proven fly patterns. Though most of the text was written over 60 years ago, much of it can still be applied today. The book also gives an insight into a remarkable man. William Lunn, the founder of the dynasty that looked after the Houghton Club water on the Test for over 100 years, must have been a man of great patience and persistence. To take 26 years to restock the Houghton Water with mayfly, after innumerable setbacks, would challenge most mortals' stamina, but he succeeded. This edition is beautifully produced and should be found on the bookshelf of every keen fisherman. It will certainly fill more than the odd gap in their knowledge. I can recommend it very highly. River Keeper was first published in 1934 with a further edition in 1947. This version is taken from the 1947 edition." (Mark Merison, The Field).