The Compleat Angler: or, The Contemplative Man's Recreation (Modern Library Classics)

The Compleat Angler: or, The Contemplative Man's Recreation (Modern Library Classics)
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Splendid conversation

Anciet fish for modern anglers

How The "Brotherhood of the Angle" Invites a Trout to Dinner

Worth a space on your fishing/philosophy bookshelf

Handy fishing companion

The Compleat Angler: or, The Contemplative Man's Recreation (Modern Library Classics)
Izaak Walton , and Charles Cotton
Manufacturer: Modern Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Compleat Angler

ASIN: 0375751483
Release Date: 1998-05-26

Amazon.com

For a book to stay in print for nearly 350 years, its merits must continually entice and allure. The Compleat Angler satisfies that on two counts. On the most obvious level, it remains as good a primer on fishing as any angler would want. But its most enduring distinction--what's raised an essential sporting how-to to the level of literary classic--is the one cast off by its subtitle; Izaak Walton's sometimes convoluted 17th-century grammar can still reel in our imaginations with his graceful evocations of a life free from hurly-burly in the company of friends intent on physical and moral sustenance. "He that hopes to be a good Angler must not only bring an inquiring, searching, observing wit," suggests the master, "but he must bring a large measure of hope and patience.... Doubt not but Angling will prove to be so pleasant, that it will prove to be like a virtue, a reward to itself." Just like Walton's magnificent literary catch.

Book Description

Walton's popular classic treatise on fishing goes far beyond techniques, as it embraces a life that values serenity and appreciation for creation. Some of the natural history lore is antiquated, but keen intelligence and good humor express themselves in a readable and enjoyable manner.

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"Doubt not but Angling will prove to be so pleasant, that it will prove to be like a virtue, a reward to itself." A classic for almost 350 years, The Angler becomes eBook

Customer Reviews:

Splendid conversation.......2007-05-27

Five days of fishing along the river Lea which joins the Thames near London is the background on which the cheerful tapestry of The Compleat Angler is laid. The splendid civil conversation of Latin named Piscator, Venator, Auceps, Viator, and Piscator Junior is a joy to hear. Shakespeare was just publishing his first work when Izaak Walton was born in 1593 in Stafford. Walton retired in his early fifties and traveled about rural England visiting friends, fishing, and writing in his easy-going fashion. After publication of The Compleat Angler in 1653 he continued to add to it in his leisurely way for the next quarter century. Samuel Johnson praised the book in the eighteenth century and later Charles Lamb recommended The Compleat Angler to Samuel Taylor Coleridge. 'It breathes the very spirit of innocence, purity, and simplicity of heart,' he noted. 'It would sweeten a man's temper at any time to read it; it would Christianise every angry, discordant passion; pray make yourself acquainted with it.'
The Compleat Angler is a true classic of English literature that owes it's esteem not to advice about fishing but to Izaak Walton's pre-occupations and exquisite manner. Subtitled The Contemplative Man's Recreation the pages glow with delight in the hills and dales, woods and streams of the beloved countryside. Walton conveys a message of meek thankful fellowship and peace to all "honest, civil, quiet men". 'The Compleat Angler is not about how to fish but about how to be,' said novelist Thomas McGuane. 'Walton spoke of an amiable mortality and rightness on the earth that has been envied by his readers for three hundred years.'

Anciet fish for modern anglers.......2006-12-01

This is surely one of the earliest books available to the modern angler. But it's worth distinguishing 'anglers' from 'fishermen'. I take 'anglers' to be people who go after fish for fun or sport or pleasure and 'fishermen' to be people who go after fish for work.

The first thing to be said about Izaak Walton's book, is that it is a play followed by a text book. The second thing, is that it's in a foreign language even to the English, because it was first published in 1653 when the author was 60. A ripe old age in England in those days.

Walton was essentially a biographer. He got paid for it - often commissioned as a good artist might. He wrote 'The Life of Donne' - a poet who even I've heard of. He's alleged to have been a prosperous merchant, but it doesn't really matter. Great angling writers like Richard Walker were engineers. Old school writers like George Skues, were public school educated solicitors in London practices who took the train to the chalk streams of Winchester in Hampshire at weekends, tying flies as they went.

The play concerns three people who meet by chance and get into conversation about their interests. They're travelling at a walk, and so they lighten their journey with convoluted conversation. Before long, it develops into a bit of a competition. Walton is the angler (Piscator). Another gentleman is keen on falconry (Venator) and yet another is keen on hunting (Auceps).

If you tire of 17th century banter, skip forward to the chapters on each particular species of fish, which will ring true immediately. To me it's a revelation that these friendly old fish will still fall for the same tricks as Walton was playing on their ancestors over 350 years ago.

How The "Brotherhood of the Angle" Invites a Trout to Dinner.......2005-12-05

Three hundred fifty years ago Izaak Walton wrote of the curious blend of inner peace and giddy excitement which the amateur naturalist finds at streamside. He invites us to stroll with him through the countryside, discussing the mythology, superstition, and the science of England's aquatic fauna. It is an unrushed journey, though we often arise at sunrise, and the author introduces us to many of the local inhabitants. Indeed, if our fishing is successful, we might exchange our catch for the song of a pretty milkmaid. The Compleat Angler is a brief book, and Walton's intent is to hook the reader, and encourage him to try fishing for himself: "I do not undertake to say all that is known...but I undertake to acquaint the Reader with many things that are not usually known to every Angler; and I shall leave gleanings and observations enough to be made out of the experience that all that love and practise this recreation, to which I shall encourage them." Interestingly, Walton starts off on the defensive, since the fisherman's passion was even then caricatured. By the end the reader has joined the "Brotherhood of the Angle," making artificial flies and enjoying the poetry of fishing: "The jealous Trout, that low did lie, Rose at a well-dissembled fly." To the modern ear Walton's literal belief in naturalists' old wives tales may seem humorously anachronistic, and it comprises a remarkably large part of his affection for his subject. We are also frequently reminded of the book's timeline with comments such as "...the Royal Society have found and published lately that there be thirty and three kinds of Spiders," while we now know that there are thirty thousand species of Arachnids. And the Brotherhood of the Angle is a genuine fraternity to Walton, "...I love all Anglers, they be such honest, civil, quiet men." The prospective reader must also be disabused of the misconception that Walton was a purist for artificial lures; he strongly recommends worms, minnows, and live flies. In Walton's watery world there is no dry humor, only fresh. Following his description of the twelve most effective artificial flies he says, "Thus you have a jury of flies likely to betray and condem all the Trouts in the river." And here he compares the beautiful coloration of a living trout to...well, you'll see: "Their bodies [are] adorned with such red spots, and...with black or blackish spots, as give them such an addition of natural beauty as, I think, was never given to any woman by the artificial paint or patches in which they so much pride themselves in this age." At the risk of taking some of the surprise out of the book, I here present a sample of Walton's fishing secrets: "Take the stinking oil drawn out of Polypody of the oak by a retort, mixed with turpentine and hive-honey, and anoint your bait therewith, and it will doubtless draw the fish to it." I would guess that Walton wasn't much of a cook, however, and I do not recommend his recipe for eel (partially skinning it, packing the viceral cavity with nutmeg and anchovy, cutting off the head, slipping the skin back over the body, and sewing it together where the head formerly was, then barbecuing it on skewers). Walton's affection for fish and fishing extends beyond the aquatic nobility of trout and salmon, to the often ignored commoners: gudgeons, sprats, bleaks, herns, tench, roach, umber, loach, and sticklebag. And as for the importance of fishing in Walton's world: "I envy not him that eats better meat than I do, nor him that is richer, or that wears better clothes than I do; I envy nobody but him, and him only, that catches more fish than I do."

Worth a space on your fishing/philosophy bookshelf.......2005-05-02

Walton uses the perspective of an enthusiastic angler to promote a lifestyle of reflectiveness, gentle humor, and appreciation for nature. The book is easy to read, despite being first published in the 1600s.
The Coachwhip Publications reprint edition (ISBN 1930585209) is inexpensive and contains Cotton's "Part 2," written at Walton's request for the fifth published edition of "The Compleat Angler."

Handy fishing companion.......2003-10-14

Fits in my pocket when I go fishing - I read a bit after I cast the line. Best days of my life are with a trout stream, rod and this book.

The compleat angler, or, The contemplative man's recreation

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The compleat angler, or, The contemplative man's recreation
Izaak; Cotton, Charles Walton
Manufacturer: Peter Pauper Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LPZA5O

Compleat Angler: Or the Contemplative Mans Recreation Being a Discourse of Fish and Fishing Not Unworthy the Perusal of Most Anglers

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Compleat Angler: Or the Contemplative Mans Recreation Being a Discourse of Fish and Fishing Not Unworthy the Perusal of Most Anglers
Izaak Walton
Manufacturer: Birdalone Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0929309006

The Compleat Angler : or, The Contemplative Man's Recreation : Being a Discourse of Fish and Fishing for the Perusal of Anglers with Instructions, How to Angle for a Trout or Grayling in a Clear Stream (Library of Fly-Fishing Classics)

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The Compleat Angler : or, The Contemplative Man's Recreation : Being a Discourse of Fish and Fishing for the Perusal of Anglers with Instructions, How to Angle for a Trout or Grayling in a Clear Stream (Library of Fly-Fishing Classics)

Manufacturer: Easton Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound

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The Compleat Angler or The Contemplative Man's Recreation
Izaak Walton
Manufacturer: The Heritage Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I5O9BI

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The Compleat Angler or The Contemplative Man's Recreation

Manufacturer: The Folio Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000BLEM0M

The Compleat Angler or The Contemplative Man's Recreation Being a Discourse...

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The Compleat Angler or The Contemplative Man's Recreation Being a Discourse...
Izaak Walton
Manufacturer: Weathervane Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KK9646

$THE COMPLEAT ANGLER OR THE CONTEMPLATIVE MAN\'S RECREATION$
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THE COMPLEAT ANGLER OR THE CONTEMPLATIVE MAN\'S RECREATION
WALTON
Manufacturer: FOLIO SOCIETY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SBATUC

The Compleat Angler or The Contemplative Mans' Recreation: Being a Discourse of Fish and Fishing, Not Unworthy of the Perusal of Most Anglers

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The Compleat Angler or The Contemplative Mans' Recreation: Being a Discourse of Fish and Fishing, Not Unworthy of the Perusal of Most Anglers
Isaak [Izaak] Walton
Manufacturer: Adam & Charles Black Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B000V6D28A

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The Compleat Angler or, the Contemplative Man's Recreation
Izaak Walton
Manufacturer: Collier Books
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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Must-Have For Novice Triathlete Library

"Breakthrough"?

Great!!

Long on Redundancy

Breakthrough Triathlon Training

Breakthrough Triathlon Training
Brad Kearns
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0071462791

Book Description

The perfect trathlete training guide—whether you’re a beginner or are simply looking to improve your performance

Breakthrough Triathlon Training helps you discover your own abilities, identify weaknesses, and overcome pitfalls on the way to triathlon success. Brad Kearns shows you how to set realistic goals, and provides all the nuts and bolts of training, including sample exercises and flexible workout schedules to fit the demands of everyday life.

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Must-Have For Novice Triathlete Library.......2007-09-12

You're serious about trying a triathlon. You've started collecting URLs, articles, books. You're getting a lay of the land.

"Breakthrough Triathlon Training" is a must-have for your library.

Yes, the repetitious messages may drive you a little nuts. But as with any successful advertising or propaganda message delivery, the signal gets through. Curse Brad Kearns for telling yet another story to make the same point. But after you've tossed the book onto the couch and you're out running, biking or swimming? You'll REMEMBER his points.

And his points are great.

Just yesterday...

I'm trail running with weights. Typically I run into the park, do two of my "standard loops," and run out. 75 minutes. Great aerobic workout.

Yesterday, per Kearns' philosophy I ran the 2nd loop with the mindset, "I'll go round, but in a way that if I choose to run a 3rd loop I'll be able to." And so I did.

At the end of loop 2? I felt great. I decided to run a 3rd loop which I only occasionally do. And -- I did loop 3 with the attitude, "Who knows, I may decide to do a 4th loop."

At the end of loop 3? I went for a 4th loop. I've never done this before. I've never run that distance, nor run for that length of time (2.5 hours).

And if felt great.

Brad Kearns' is onto something and I don't think it's coincidence that his triathlon book has an intro by Lance Armstrong while other books don't.

To repeat my message: this book needs to be part of your library. It'll give you the right mind-set for training. You can get all the OCD info you need elsewhere. But unlike those with only the OCD minutiae, you'll have a much better sense of how to apply it and apply it in a healthy manner.

Dr. Kirtland C Peterson

"Breakthrough"?.......2007-06-27

I agree with one of the previous reviewers who summed up the book -- the basic advice is to listen to your body, but other than that, it really doesn't offer that much. Worth reading if you're tired and plateauing (i.e., overtraining), but other than that, doesn't offer much.

Great!!.......2007-04-10

After reading many so so books on training for triathlons this book spoke to me. Being a beta type personality I loved the macro, kicked back approach he took to training. It was just what I'd been looking for. Keeping it fun. Thanks, Brad

Long on Redundancy.......2006-08-05

This book is easy reading, chock full of anecdotal evidence from the arena of ultra-competitive triathletes. And while it acknowledges that the reader is probably more of a casual athlete, the book offers little concrete advice. Rather, Kearns prefers to let you go your own way, using overarching (vague) advice streams.

The main ideas in the book can be summed up rather neatly:
1) Train only for the enjoyment of reaching "peak performance." The author calls this "pure motivation".
2) Aerobic training is the indispensible base for triathletes - anaerobic training must come second and be built upon the long-distance training you accumulate and maintain over time.
3) Rest adequately between "key workouts," the workouts that push your limits, are planned fluidly around your life, etc.
4) Gradually intensify workouts as you become more fit. Do the workout that benefits you most. One suggestion: the 100/10 "brick" (ie 50 miles biking followed by a 5 mile run).

There, I saved you $10. This book is a GREAT mental guide for pursuing an enjoyable triathlon career but should be regarded as a companion to other books that can offer you more concrete information about training, especially if you're new to the sport.

Breakthrough Triathlon Training.......2006-07-07

I highly recommend this book to anyone participating in triathlon. Brad gives an interesting perspective that provides a contrasting view to the more is always better attitude prevalent in the sport. This book is particularly useful for newcomers, time challenged athletes or anyone stuck in a performance rut. Additionally, I found the Attitude and Philosophy section to contain some very helpful ideas on motivation that can be applied to both triathlon and life in general.

A breakthrough in the science of performance.(CONDITIONING THE "IRONMAN") : An article from: Coach and Athletic Director

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A breakthrough in the science of performance.(CONDITIONING THE "IRONMAN") : An article from: Coach and Athletic Director
Greg Spindler
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Coach and Athletic Director, published by Thomson Gale on May 1, 2006. The length of the article is 2120 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: A breakthrough in the science of performance.(CONDITIONING THE "IRONMAN")
Author: Greg Spindler
Publication: Coach and Athletic Director (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 75 Issue: 10 Page: 38(3)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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Breakthrough Triathlon Training
Brad Kearns
Manufacturer: MCGRAW-HILL BOOK COM
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K6JYHO

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Breakthrough Triathlon Training
B. Kearns
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OFX3E6

Book Description

Ten original ghost stories by Paul Yee dramatize the history of Chinese immigration to North America, from poor villagers who first came searching for gold in the late 1850s to new arrivals from Hong Kong. Told in the style of traditional Chinese folktales, they are illustrated with moody, abstract drawings by Harvey Chan.

In the title story, two friends seek gold, but the precious metal brings riches to one man and a curse to the other. In "Seawall Sightings," young lovers kept apart by immigration laws have a tragic reunion. In "Reunited," a spoiled teenage boy leaves Hong Kong for North America, only to find that his new life is not the glamorous one he had been expecting.

The stories describe the struggles, dreams, and resilience of people making new lives for themselves in a strange land, while retaining strong links to China and the past. In keeping with authentic Chinese ghost stories, wherever they go, the immigrants are followed by the curse of a friend, the ghost of a faithful spouse, or the spirit of a dead parent.

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Dead Man's Gold and Other Westerns
Sy Levine
Manufacturer: Watermill Press
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Binding: Paperback

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* Paul Yee Dead Man's Gold and Other Stories.: An article from: The Horn Book Magazine

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* Paul Yee Dead Man's Gold and Other Stories.: An article from: The Horn Book Magazine
Margaret A. Chang
Manufacturer: Horn Book, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Horn Book Magazine, published by Horn Book, Inc. on January 1, 2003. The length of the article is 405 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: * Paul Yee Dead Man's Gold and Other Stories.
Author: Margaret A. Chang
Publication: The Horn Book Magazine (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2003
Publisher: Horn Book, Inc.
Volume: 79 Issue: 1 Page: 85(3)

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