Many of my later additions have been passed straight onto Neil as, let's face it, that's where they will end up so he may as well have the trouble of storing them now. Yes, I originally thought that I would buy them as some sort of currency, an investment for the future and many of the titles I've procured have increased in value beyond my wildest imaginings. But then Neil discovered Chris Yates and the magical way in which he puts our language onto paper. He was absorbed and read all of his work one after another, this highlighted when we went to the Hay festival where Chris talked about his then latest title 'How To Fish' and Neil duly queued to get his copy signed.
Neil moved on to my carp collection and fell in love with the work of Rod Hutchinson, a master angler and raconteur so I recently bought Rod's latest two 'Carp Along the Way' books. This was recently joined by four books by Rob Maylin, Terry Baxter's 'Barbel Mystique' and Jon Berry's 'Beneath the Black Water' and just the other week a first edition of 'What's My Line' that came, compliments of Ebay, all the way from Australia and so the list continues.
I have my favourites of course, some are just part of my life and will never leave my shelf such as' No Need To Lie' by Richard Walker, I was given this in the mid sixties and I have never exaggerated the size of a capture since reading it. 'Somewhere Down the Crazy River' (Boote and Wade) is a must have for any dreamer as is 'Hooked' by Fen Montaigne, a tale of fly fishing across Russia. Peter Stone's 'Come Fishing With Me' falls into this category along with many, many others. I can never sell my books, they are my friends and, in the future they will be Neil's.
My latest addition arrived the other day - 'While My Float's Still Cocked' and I flicked casually through the first few pages. My first impression was that it was a book that many of us of a certain age could write, it was just that this chap had a talent for painting which made it look special. But as I have got deeper into the recollections and tales of Maurice Pledger I have become enthralled and inspired and any book that makes me yearn to hold my rod over a small brook or pool is a winner as far as I'm concerned. So, I highly recommend this little book, after all, none other than Chris Yates himself rates it and he can do no wrong.
Some good stuff there Dave on your book shelf, do you read John Geirach at all?
ReplyDeleteI love his books, his outlook on fishing and life is superb.
Thomas McGuane, The Longest Silence is worth tracking down as well just for the cover picture alone.
I've got Longest Silence somewhere, I can't remember if I read it though?? I've read some Geirach and have enjoyed it but I'm not over keen, I guess its because its fly based.
DeleteWoW, Snap!
ReplyDeleteEnjoying 'while my cock still floats' at the moment as well :o)
I too have an exaggerated collection and can't help buying. Probably hand down to next generation who seems to share same appreciation. Just got hold of Jack Hargreaves one and only fishing book 'Fishing for a year' which is written how he used to talk. I can hear him reading to me.
'Nightwalk' was another CY gem which has already left the house, being signed. Won't see that again!
According to 'reliable sources' CY is under contract for further 5 books so make some room big boy!!
You can't even see yours so how can you tell if its floating? :-)
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ReplyDeleteBut you can guess what it said huh sugarlips! :o)
ReplyDelete:-p
DeleteWill definitely be investing in this one Dave, though to be honest Lady Sarah buys most of my angling literature when I've been a good boy, so the collection I have could be bigger :-) Her last gift to me were a first edition Walker's Pitch and a signed Yatesy's The Secret Carp, which I'm told is a fantastic read. Much to read, I sometimes think I should take them carp fishing with me, but then I'd forget to fish or soon be distracted.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you haven't got Secret Carp, its probably the best fishing book ever. Enjoy, you have a treat in store.
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