THE UNREASONABLE VIRTUE OF FLY FISHING. By Mark Kurlansky.

2021 1st edition. 8vo (149 x 216mm). Ppxxiii,ill,280. B/w photographs, illustrations, bibliography, decorative end-papers. Dark and pale blue boards, spine titled in silver gilt.

"From the award-winning bestselling author of "Cod," the irresistible story of the science, history, art, and culture of the least efficient way to catch a fish." Kurlinsky is known for his deep dives in to the history of specific subjects, and this book marries his signature wide-ranging reach with a subject that has captivated him for a lifetime. Chapters include: Prologue - Winter without Tolstoy on the Big Wood River; Why?; Doing it the hard way; The thinking prey; Who started this?; American fly fishing; It's about the fly; The comfort of my rod; Send you reeling; A good line; Wading in; Fisherwomen; Difficult thoughts; Fishing for words; Epilogue - Yeats on the Blackwater.