A Book on Angling, Francis Francis — 3rd Edition

£120.50

A Book on Angling, Francis Francis — 3rd Edition

Name: A Book on Angling, Francis Francis — 3rd Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4840
Price: 120.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Longmans, Green, and Co., 1872

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [xvi], 482.

Condition Report: Very Good. The book has been professionally and attractively rebound in quarter dark maroon morocco over textured red cloth boards, which remain in highly robust condition with only minor shelf-wear and a few unobtrusive spots of discolouration to the rear board. The spine, featuring gilt lettering and blind-stamped bands, is lightly sunned but retains excellent structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Internally, the binding is tight, square, and secure. The pages exhibit typical age-related toning to the edges, and there is some expected, moderate foxing primarily localised to the preliminary pages, the title page, and the tissue guard protecting the frontispiece. The text block remains notably clean, barring a few neat, historical pencil annotations by a previous owner on the endpapers, making this a highly durable and handsome working copy.

Catalogue Note: This is the "Third Edition, Revised and Improved" of Francis Francis's seminal sporting work, a title that rapidly became an essential cornerstone of the Victorian angler's library. First published in 1867, the text was continually expanded; this 1872 iteration features over twenty pages of new material, revised spinning-tackle instructions, and an additional plate of salmon flies not found in earlier printings.

The volume is richly illustrated, complete with a frontispiece and sixteen explanatory plates, comprising a mixture of hand-coloured plates detailing classic salmon flies and black-and-white plates depicting tackle and rigs.

Adding to its unique character, this copy features early pencilled annotations from a previous owner, W. Holden, referencing specific pages on "casting with bushes" and "night fishing." This provenance highlights the book's historical use as a practical, working guide rather than merely a decorative shelf-piece. While later Victorian editions are relatively common, finding an early iteration in such a handsome, robust secondary binding is increasingly scarce on the open market.

Considered a masterpiece of angling literature, Francis Francis’s A Book on Angling is a comprehensive and deeply engaging treatise covering every branch of the sport. Written by the esteemed angling editor of The Field, the book effortlessly bridges the gap between the practical and the philosophical, offering expert advice on everything from coarse fishing and spinning to the highly refined art of the dry fly. Enhanced by its beautiful illustrations of tackle and vivid salmon flies, Francis's work remains an indispensable historical text and a delightfully readable companion for the modern traditionalist.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Francis Francis

Book Publisher: Longmans, Green, and Co.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Sport & Games

Book edition: Third Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 482

Book Publication Year: 1872

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Quarter Leather

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.