WHILE MY FLOAT'S STILL COCKED: THE RAMBLINGS OF AN ARTIST-ANGLER. By Maurice J. Pledger.

2011 1st edition. De luxe issue. 4to. Pp160. Full page colour paintings and b/w drawings by the author. Full morocco gilt with handmade float inside.

"While My Float's Still Cocked, by Maurice 'My friends call me Mole' Pledger, is a beautifully illustrated fishing autobiography that is both a witty and whimsical recollection and a record of the successes of Maurice and his friends in pursuit of specimen perch, pike, carp and chub. It is a book about the evolution of an angler, the love of old and eccentric fishing tackle, and the personal quirks and foibles all fishermen suffer from. Above all, it is a book about the fun to be had catching (or just as often not catching) fish." De Luxe Edition - limited to 55 leather-bound copies, (only 50 for sale), signed by the author. Fine in slip-case. With a real float, hand-made and signed by Paul Cook, insert into the hand-marbled end-papers. Absolutely stunning! "The stories from Maurice's boyhood fizz with enthusiasm and there's no doubt that his early experiences and observations were the inspiration for his artistic life. However, what marks this book out as something special is the remarkable series of fish paintings, fish with so much natural beauty and grace that they almost swim off the page." Chris Yates. "All I can say is if you must read one angling book before you die, read this. It's thought provoking and amusing, but most of all, it's amazingly entertaining. A thoroughly good read, get a copy today. It will not disappoint." Jeff Woodhouse.