THE LOVELY REED: AN ENTHUSIAST'S GUIDE TO BUILDING BAMBOO FLY RODS. By Jack Howell.

(1977) 2016 new edition. Large 4to (218 x 285mm). Ppxvi,191. B/w photographs and illustrations, bibliography, foreword by Glenn Brackett. Gilt bamboo to dark blue cloth, spine titled in gilt.

This is a detailed and well-illustrated guide to building bamboo fly-rods. Chapters include: The bamboo fly rod, qualities and characteristics; Getting started, equipment, tools and materials; Preparing the bamboo; Rod design; Making the blank, the rod from start to finish; Transofrming the blank to a fly rod; Care of the bamboo rod; Building planing forms; Sharpening the plane blade; How to build and use a binder; Ovens for heat-reating cane; Devising your own dipping apparatus; Selecting a reel seat; Repairing and refinishing bamboo rods; Building-method variations of the bamboo rod; Turning pro - marketing (more or less), salesmanship, time.