THE BOOK OF FLY PATTERNS. By Eric Leiser.

1987 1st edition. Oblong 4to (258 x 222mm). Ppxvi,368. 12 colour plates of flies, b/w photographs and illustrations, bibliography. Black fly motif to violet-grey paper-covered boards, silver-gilt titles to blue cloth spine.

"A milestone in angling literature: the most complete and practical pattern book ever compiled for the fly tyer and angler, alvishly illustrated catalogue of flies for the most effective and popular flies that are fished in fresh and salt water. [which] gives us a consistent representation and interpretation of more than 1,000 classic and contemporary patterns. Here, as well, is all the information ... needed in order to dress the pattern in the manner intended by its originator, with professional tips for solving specific problems. Anyone who can tie a simple dry or wet fly will need this book." Chapters include: How to use this book. Part I, Recipes for Surface Patterns: Standard or classic dry flies; Hair-winged and deer-bodied flies; Midges; Spinners; Caddis flies (downwing patterns); Terrestrials; Adult stoneflies; Parachute flies; No-hackle flies; Thorax dry flies; Cut wings and other concepts; Salmon dry flies. Part II, Patterns Representing Subsurface Insect Life: Wet flies; Larvae; Pupae and shrimp; Emergers (floating nymphs); Nymphs (general); Stonefly nymphs. Part III, Attractor patterns and baitfish imitations: Streamers and bucktails; Salmon flies; Steelhead flies; Saltwater flies. Part IV, Color Plates and Appendices: Hooks; Fly-tying materials; Sources for materials and related information.