The Complete ANGLER Izaak WALTON & Charles COTTON 2nd BAGSTER ed 1815 nr fine

The Complete Angler,

or

Contemplative Man's Recreation

being a Discourse on Rivers, Fish-ponds, Fish, and Fishing.

In two parts:

The First written by Mr. Izaak Walton,

the Second by Charles Cotton, Esq.

London: Printed for Samuel Bagster, 1815. Second Bagster Edition. 

Walton's delightful pastoral account of fishing, from expeditions along the River Lea, in Tottenham and on into Hertfordshire; how to prepare chub for a meal; dialogues between Piscator and Venator; the history of angling in Britain, to techniques and tackle.

A classic of English prose in one of the most extensive and best illustrated editions, the second Bagster being the most sought after by this publisher. 

8vo (22.5cm). Contemporary straight grain green morocco, recently rebacked with renewed spine and later marbled endpapers. Glt lettering to spine and gilt borders, five bands with gilt borders, gilt rules to boards, with faded gilt dentelles. 

Engraved half title, stating Bagster's Second Edition, 'With Improvements and Additions', with the design from the title page of Walton's first edition in 1653. 

Engraved frontis. portrait of Walton. With a further 48 plates, several of species of fish, including roach, tench, eel and barbel, finishing with a selection of artificial flies. 

In two parts, with a title page for Charles Cotton's continuation of the work, and with an engraved portrait frontis of him. 

pp. 514 + [21], Index. 

The leather is slightly faded in places to rear board, tips lightly bumped and renewed. 

Internally, some very occasional and quite minimal foxing, else a very bright, clean text block in a smart, attractive binding. 

Near fine. 

Full Morocco.