The Compleat Angler, Illustrated by James Thorpe, 1911, Custom Sims Binding

Full Title:  The Compleat Angler or The Contemplative Man’s Recreation

Binding Details:  Fine contemporary binding by the Sims Bindery of three-quarter green morocco leather over complimentary cloth covered boards with raised bands to the spine, gilt titles, and elaborate decorative giltwork including central gilt fly motifs. Twin gilt lines to the boards and corners. There are hand-marbled endpapers, hand-sewn silk endbands, with the top page edges gilted. Laid into the book is a signed card from Andrew Sims stating that the book was bound by the Sims Bindery. 

Book Details:  First published in 1653, The Compleat Angler is among the most often reprinted books in English literature. As Jeff Silverman in his review of the book wrote, “For a book to stay in print for nearly 350 years, its merits must continually entice and satisfy. The Compleat Angler qualifies on both counts. On the most obvious level, it remains as good a primer on fishing as any angler would want. But its most enduring distinction is hinted at in the subtitle--"the Contemplative Man's Recreation." Izaak Walton's sometimes convoluted 17th-century grammar can still reel in our imaginations with his graceful evocations of a life free from hurly-burly in the company of friends intent on physical and moral sustenance. "He that hopes to be a good Angler must not only bring an inquiring, searching, observing wit," suggests the master, "but he must bring a large measure of hope and patience.... Doubt not but Angling will prove to be so pleasant, that it will prove to be like a virtue, a reward to itself." Just like Walton's magnificent literary catch.”

This 1911 edition features 25 tipped-in charming illustrations by James Thorpe each with a captioned tissue guard. The book measures 10.75” x 8.25” x 1.75”, 167 pages.

Condition Report:  The binding is in FINE condition. Internally, the book is very clean with no signs of previous ownership. Overall, this is a beautiful binding that houses a wonderfully illustrated edition of one of the most enduring pieces of literature ever written.

Photographs of the binding, endpapers, binder’s card, and some examples of the contents from the book appear in the photo section of the listing.