THE GREAT SALMON RIVERS OF SCOTLAND: AN ANGLER'S GUIDE TO THE RIVERS DEE, SPEY, TAY AND TWEED. By John Ashley-Cooper.

(1980) 1987 2nd edition. 4to (192 x 252mm). Pp208. Colour plates, maps, illustrations. Maroon boards, spine titled in gilt.

"...The salmon fishing on these rivers is renowned - and rightly so: in spite of drift-netting at sea and heavy overfishing of the Atlantic feeding grounds, the salmon still run in their thousands into the headwaters to complete their life-cycle. Only constant vigilance by landowners, local authorities and anglers will ensure that this natural cycle continues. This book is divided into two sections: the first part describes the rivers themselves, their characteristics, the nature of their course and their history. The narrative is spiced with snatches of songs, poems and character sketches, including accounts of some epic contests between fish and men from years past... The second part provides guidance for the angler on fishing the rivers - the author is well qualified to provide this, having devoted his life to angling for salmon and having achieved fame as one of the great salmon fishers of his generation. Nobody knows more about these four rivers than John Ashley Cooper. He has fished many beats on each river and known their pools for 45 years... This book is a most valuable introduction to the best Scottish waters for the first-time visitor and occasional salmon angler, as well as a source of pleasure and instruction for the more experienced fisherman."