Three sportsmen, a fisherman (Piscator, who is Waltonhimself), a huntsman (Venator) and a fowler (Auceps) travel from Tottenham to Ware up the River Lea on 1st May.They discuss the relative merits of their pastimes, and Venator becomes a pupil of Piscator, and is introduced to the arts of angling for freshwater fish, along with a wealth of advice about watercraft, pisciculture and country lore.

This classic work on fish and fishing has become one of the most reprinted books in the history of British letters. It is a unique combination of manual and meditation, and the way in which the personality of the author, both widely read and practically experienced, pervades the whole shape and flavour of the book, is the reason for its lasting appeal to sportsman and general reader alike.

Three sportsmen, a fisherman (Piscator, who is Waltonhimself), a huntsman (Venator) and a fowler (Auceps) travel from Tottenham to Ware up the River Lea on 1st May.They discuss the relative merits of their pastimes, and Venator becomes a pupil of Piscator, and is introduced to the arts of angling for freshwater fish, along with a wealth of advice about watercraft, pisciculture and country lore.

This edition contains the continuation by Walton"s young friend Charles Cotton, as well as numerous delightful pen-and-ink drawings by Edmund H New.

Introduction

by Richard Le Gallienne

PART ONE

Outlines of Walton"s Life

PART TWO

Walton"s Literary Life and Friendships

PART THREE

The Cornpleat Angler

PART FOUR

Charles Cotton

THE COMPLEAT ANGLER

Part One

Being a Discourse of Rivers, Fishponds,Fish and Fishing

A Dedication to the Right Worshipful John Offley

To the Reader of this Discourse, but especially to the Honest Angler

To my clear Brother, Mr Isaac Walton, upon his Compleat Angler

To the Reader 0fThe Compleat Angler

To my dear friend, Mr Iz. Walton, in praise of Angling, which we both love

To the Readers of my most ingenious Friend"s book The Compleat Angler

To my dear Brother, Mr Iz. Walton,on his Compleat Angler

Clarissimo amicissimoque; Fratri, Domino Isaaco Walton Artis Piscatoriae pertissimo

Ad Virum optimum, et Piscatorem peritissimum Isaacum Waltonum

Alliud ad Isaacum graltonum,Virum et Piscatorem Optimum

The First Day

CHAPTER I

Conference betwixt an Angler, a Hunter and a Falconer; each commending his Recreation

PISCATOR, VENATOR, AUCEPS

The Second Day

CHAPTER II

Observations of the Otter and Chub

The Third Day

CHAPTER III

How to Fish fir, and to Dress,the Chavender, or Chub "

CHAPTER IV

Observations of the Nature and Breeding of the Trout,

and how to Fish for him; and the Milkmaid"s song

CHAPTER V

More Directions how to Fish for, and how to make

for the Trout on Artificial Minnow and Flies;with some Merriment

……