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Bowden-Smith Fly Fishing in Fresh and Salt Water

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Bowden-Smith, Rochard – Fly Fishing in Fresh and Salt Water – 1851, London: John Van Voorst, also attributed to Mrs. Hutchinson, First edition. According to Paul Schullery, this anonymous book was one of the earliest accounts of fishing with flies which clearly imitated bait fish or even schools of bait fish, proving that the streamer was not invented by an American in the early 1900's. But more importantly, this title is considered to be the first book on salt water fly fishing and thus is of great historical importance. Six plates are of flies designed to attract Pollack, a fish that was obviously not feeding on insects out on the high seas. Five hand colored chromolithographic plates and one black and white plate depicting four live sized sea flies and tackle for pike fishing. Rare original green blind stamped cloth with gilt title on spine. Fine with slight fading to spine, light wear and very occasional foxing. Ex libris plate.

A fly fisherman throughout his life, Robert Blockoff had been fascinated by the sport from a young age. By extension in the 1970's his attention turned to collecting angling books. This and 97 other lots represent this pursuit. His collection is comprised of both American and English titles with a focus on salmon fishing, having taken a significant turn when he purchased Jones' Guide to Norway from the important G-Albert Petit Collection. Further early titles soon followed. Lang's is pleased to offer the Blockoff Angling Library.

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