A Treatyse of Fysshinge wyth an Angle Being a Facsimile reproduction of The First Book on the Subject of Fishing printed in England<br />by Wynkyn de Worde at Westminster in 1496.<br />With an introduction by Rev. M. G. Watkins, M.A.

London: Elliot Stock, 1880. Hardback. xiv, facsimile section 12 unpaginated leaves with woodblock to first page and other illustrations. Original full vellum binding with blind stamped geometric design to boards. Photographic facsimile of the original. Printed on handmade paper. The preface by Rev. Watkins is helpful, even if though he is rather sure of his opinions. He sees the original text as a certain source for later writers on fishing, such as Walton and Burton. "Such men as Donne, Wotton, and Herbert, Paley, Bell, and Davy, together with many other excellent and simple disposition, have caught enthusiasm from her lofty sentiments, and found that not their bodily health only, but also their morals, were improved by angling." At least ten further editions of the treatise appeared before the year 1600, attesting to its enduring popularity. The writer offers instruction in the practicalities of fishing, such as the making of rods, line and hooks, as well as discussing the more philosophical aspects of the art of angling "to the entent that your aege may the more floure and the more lenger to endure." Book in good condition. Spine extremities rubbed and boards marked. Some staining to pastedowns and endpapers toned. Occasional mark but internally sharp and bright. No jacket.