A Fishing Book From 1594 is Still One of the Most Sought-After by Nature Lovers

Walton’s ‘The Compleat Angler,’ is a classic of lazy, lakeside fishing days, and has been since the 16th century — and why, even if we don’t fish, we can still use it in today’s troubled times.

“Angle,” is an old English word for “hook,” and where “anglers” get their name. Wikimedia Commons.

[This post originally appeared on A Boy and His Dog: Outdoor Americana on Substack]

“Rivers and the inhabitants of the watery elements are made for wise men to contemplate and for fools to pass by without consideration. ”
― Izaak Walton, “The Compleat Angler”

Maybe a fish might disagree with Izaak Walton, who said “God never did make a more calm, quiet, innocent recreation than angling.” But, the author’s fellow fishers have found a spot for it next to their tackle boxes ever since 1594, the year it was published by a London bookseller.

To the fisherman (or woman, or fish-fighter), it’s up there with the Bible — both an instructional work and an inspirational one.

Even though it’s written very much in the style of a 16th century clergyman — Walton was also an ironworker, and…