The Complete Angler, Izaak Walton and Charles Cotton

£149.50

The Complete Angler, Izaak Walton and Charles Cotton

Name: The Complete Angler, Izaak Walton and Charles Cotton
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5719
Price: 149.50 GBP
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Publication: London, Henry G. Bohn, 1861

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [xix], 496.

Condition Report: Very Good. This volume presents exceptionally well in its full calf prize binding, remaining remarkably tight and structurally sound with only mild rubbing to the extremities, raised bands, and spine joints. The gilt tooling, including the intricate armorial crests on the boards and the ornate compartments on the spine, remains bright and unoxidised. The hinges are secure, and the text block is firm, boasting a vibrant all-edges-gilt finish. Internally, while the main body of the text is largely clean, there is moderate foxing present on the preliminary pages, most notably affecting the engraved frontispiece and half-title page, which is typical for paper stock and plates of this era. A neat previous owner's signature is located on the half-title, but overall, it remains a highly attractive, collectible copy.

Catalogue Note: This 1861 edition of The Complete Angler, edited by Edward Jesse with additional papers by Henry G. Bohn, is highly regarded for its comprehensive variorum notes and extensive illustrations.

The text is profusely illustrated, featuring twenty-six engraved plates, including a frontispiece portrait of Izaak Walton, alongside numerous woodcut vignettes integrated throughout the text that capture the idyllic essence of the English countryside and traditional angling techniques.

This specific copy is distinguished by its handsome full calf prize binding. The boards feature heraldic shields, a Tudor crown, and the date "E R 1597" stamped in bright gilt, commemorating the foundation of Aldenham School. The volume is also notably dedicated to the Thames Angling Preservation Society.

The volume bears standard provenance with an early twentieth-century ownership signature, "Alfred Lister / 1921," on the half-title.

Examples preserved in fine institutional or school prize bindings such as this are distinctly uncommon and highly sought after by collectors of both Walton and fine bindings.

First published in 1653, Izaak Walton's The Complete Angler is a timeless celebration of the art and spirit of fishing. Part practical manual, part philosophical meditation, the work unfolds as a dialogue between seasoned fishermen and novices as they traverse the rivers and meadows of the English countryside. Through its lyrical prose and enduring wisdom, the book captures not only the technicalities of the sport but also a profound appreciation for nature, camaraderie, and peaceful contemplation, cementing its status as one of the most reprinted and beloved works in the English language.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Izaak Walton, Charles Cotton

Book Publisher: Henry G. Bohn

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Sport & Games

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages: 496

Book Publication Year: 1861

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Full Calf

Illustrator: Various

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.