An Appeal for Assistance.

[AshbyCut]

As many of you know from various threads on the TFF I have become somewhat intrigued with a certain Mr. Harvey Torbett since I was fortunate enough to buy an Allcock's rod bearing his name, and discovered that he was not only an accomplished angler and instructor, but also a prolific writer on all aspects of angling.

I'm lucky enough to now own all 6 books he wrote on angling :-

1959 - "Towpath Tours" - Fishing Gazette.
1960 - "Techniques of Ledgering" - Thorsens. (Suggested to be the first book dedicated purely to ledger fishing.)
1961 - "Coarse Fishing" - Museum Press.
1961 - "The Angler's Freshwater Fishes" - Putnam.
1964 - "The Handbook for Fishermen" - Hamlyn.
1964 - "Sea Fishing" - Museum Press.

I think that many people have read his words without knowing it ... as in the late '50's and '60's he was a contributor to the following publications (amongst others) under the pen name "Isis" :-

Angler's News
Angling
The Angler
Fishing Gazette
The Gamekeeper
Trout and Salmon
The Midland Angler
Field Sports
(and others, apparently)

I am going to attempt to make an archive of all his writings, and am therefore making this plea for assistance.

If, in their researches or leisure reading, any Ladies or Gentlemen members come across anything written under the pen name of "Isis" in any publication ... I would be most grateful if they could either scan it for me, or photocopy it and send it to me (costs refunded, naturally).

I would also be grateful if you could pass this on to fellow piscators who are (foolishly) not TFF members.

My thanks in anticipation.

[PDuffield]

Hi AC, I've scanned an article from the 1965 Allcocks Guide and two from Angling magazine. The scans are quite large so I've included links instead of previews.

Coarse Fishing for Young Anglers from 1965 Allcocks Guide:
http://oi42.tinypic.com/2pq9zf7.jpg

The Young Anglers Angle from Angling October 1959:
Part 1: http://oi39.tinypic.com/21bvwad.jpg
Part 2: http://oi41.tinypic.com/szzu54.jpg

The Right Shot from Angling July 1961:
Part 1: http://oi40.tinypic.com/sls65l.jpg
Part 2: http://oi40.tinypic.com/2ic33nl.jpg

If I come across any more I'll let you know.

[AshbyCut]

PDuffield ... What a fantastic contribution, Sir !!! Thank you so much !

I'm indebted, Sir.

[PDuffield]

You're welcome AC, I'll keep a look out for more.

[Alchemist]

Google "childrens newspaper Harvey Torbett" and you'll find several articles by him.
My first fishing book, in the 1960's was his Handbook for Fishermen. I've recently acquired the Allcocks rod with his name on, minus the handle section. I'm stripping and rebuilding it and will post on this forum when it's completed.

[AshbyCut]

Thanks for that ... and welcome to the "Torbett Owners Family," Sir.

I will add links to the Harvey Torbett page in Famous Anglers.

[Alchemist]

Glad to be on board, thank you. My next project is to acquire more of his books.
By varying the search terms, I found more articles. I used variations of "look and learn","news", "newspaper", "children's" and "CN", combined with "Harvey Torbett". However, if you register with the site you may be able to access more.

[Keston]

I picked up an old book on sea fishing today and although not written by him it is illustrated by Harvey D. Torbett.

[AshbyCut]

I picked up an old book on sea fishing today and although not written by him it is illustrated by Harvey D. Torbett.

Thank you, Sir !!!

[Keston]

I picked up an old book on sea fishing today and although not written by him it is illustrated by Harvey D. Torbett.

Thank you, Sir !!!

I would be happy to post it to you A.C. if you would like it ?
Regards
John