A Fool and his Eel by M. Walsingham
- SussexMan
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A Fool and his Eel by M. Walsingham
It is baffling that this book did not receive a review when launched in 2012 (...if I missed it, then I sincerely apologise...). I'm now on my 5th or 6th re-read of the book and it is a magnificent work. It is a coffee-table style hardback of 411 pages with immaculate colour photography and it is rigorously edited/proof-read.
Like many of the best angling books it is also an autobiography. Mark is a highly respected scientist and ecologist and the book traces all of the early influences on his career. As is well documented, Mark graduated from that renowned and anarchic angling university known as The Golden Scale Club and later went on to achieve everyone's pipe-dream by creating his own carp pool, now the property of the Carp Society.
The book covers deep investigations into river fishing for both coarse and trout/salmon, as well as several carp pools containing the famed Leney carp.
It is the sort of book which benefits from slow, careful reading because each chapter condenses what is clearly a long and thorough approach to each species, often covering several years at a time. Strongly recommend this book, a real object lesson in how to create a lasting and professional addition to our rich literature.
Like many of the best angling books it is also an autobiography. Mark is a highly respected scientist and ecologist and the book traces all of the early influences on his career. As is well documented, Mark graduated from that renowned and anarchic angling university known as The Golden Scale Club and later went on to achieve everyone's pipe-dream by creating his own carp pool, now the property of the Carp Society.
The book covers deep investigations into river fishing for both coarse and trout/salmon, as well as several carp pools containing the famed Leney carp.
It is the sort of book which benefits from slow, careful reading because each chapter condenses what is clearly a long and thorough approach to each species, often covering several years at a time. Strongly recommend this book, a real object lesson in how to create a lasting and professional addition to our rich literature.
- Pallenpool
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Re: A Fool and his Eel by M. Walsingham
It is indeed a wonderful book John. I do remember some coverage of it upon release. Nonetheless with or without a review the title suggests it’s going to be crammed with great content and be highly readable.
No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.
Heraclitus
www.thepiscatorialraconteurs.co.uk
Heraclitus
www.thepiscatorialraconteurs.co.uk
- Dave Burr
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Re: A Fool and his Eel by M. Walsingham
There was much eulogising over this excellent book in this thread viewtopic.php?t=18529&hilit=a+fool+and+his+eel. It is worthy of every bit of praise.
- Skeff
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Re: A Fool and his Eel by M. Walsingham
Hmmmm… Six out of ten; could have done better!
But thank you for the kind words.
But thank you for the kind words.
- Dave Burr
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Re: A Fool and his Eel by M. Walsingham
Nice to see you back Skeff, was it a chance visit or has your ego been pricked
- Wandle1
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Re: A Fool and his Eel by M. Walsingham
I have to get this book..just read Skeffs mentors book,got Cypry the carp to read later..
I realised after reading Mike Winters ,Along fisherman's paths ,what is missing from my life and that is a good angling read...
I realised after reading Mike Winters ,Along fisherman's paths ,what is missing from my life and that is a good angling read...
- Skeff
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Re: A Fool and his Eel by M. Walsingham
Prof’s book is one of my favourites as you know Adam….
- Troydog
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Re: A Fool and his Eel by M. Walsingham
Many thanks for yet another recommendation!
Trouble is, the fish just don't read the books......
John Harding
John Harding
- Wandle1
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Re: A Fool and his Eel by M. Walsingham
Well,I've now read Cypry the Carp,i really enjoyed that...
Just one more on my list now to read ,before angling in ernest begins ,ie the longer days ,and hopefully no rain,........ha,ha...
Just one more on my list now to read ,before angling in ernest begins ,ie the longer days ,and hopefully no rain,........ha,ha...
- Skeff
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Re: A Fool and his Eel by M. Walsingham
Coincidentally, Angling in Earnest by FJT was one of my favourite books when I was learning to fish….