The Compleat Angler

This 1988 St. Martin's Press edition presents Walton's immortal classic, originally published in 1653. The Compleat Angler stands as one of the most frequently reprinted books in English literature, surpassed only by the Bible and Shakespeare in terms of editions published over the centuries.

The book combines practical fishing instruction with philosophical meditation, creating a unique blend of how-to guide and literary masterpiece. Walton presents fishing as both practical skill and spiritual practice, weaving together detailed instructions on catching fish with reflections on nature, friendship, and the good life. The work's dialogue format, featuring conversations between Piscator (the fisherman) and his students, creates an engaging narrative structure that has influenced outdoor writing for centuries.

Izaak Walton was a successful ironmonger who took up writing as a second career, producing this masterwork in his sixties. The book established him as one of England's most beloved authors and demonstrated how practical knowledge could be transformed into enduring literature. Walton's combination of practical expertise with literary skill created a new model for nature writing that influenced countless later authors.

The book appeared during England's tumultuous Civil War period, and its peaceful celebration of rural life provided solace during violent times. The Compleat Angler has never been out of print since its original publication, making it one of the most enduring works in English literature. The book's influence extends far beyond fishing to encompass all nature writing and outdoor literature. Many famous writers, including Charles Dickens, Sir Walter Scott, and Washington Irving, praised the work's charm and wisdom. The book's title, with its archaic spelling of "compleat," has become iconic and influenced countless later titles in outdoor literature.