The Angler’s Vade Mecum: or, a Compendious, yet full, Discourse of Angling by Chetham, J

London: Battersby, 1700. Third edition (Preface, advert., 326 pp., index). With one engraved plate showing six fish (missing an apparent second engraved plate), in contemporary calf, professionally rebacked. After Walton, perhaps the most important book on angling, here in its third edition. ‘The apest methods and ways, exactest rules, properest baits, and choicest experiments for the catching all manner of fresh water fish. Together with a brief discourse of fish-ponds, and not only the easiest, but most palatable ways of dressing of all sorts of fish, whether belonging to rivers or ponds; and the laws concerning angling, and the preservation of such fish.’ This copy shows every sign of having served its purpose-- it comes replete with fishing notes and previous owners’ signatures in an 18th century hand. Front corners are worn through, a small chip missing from the front cover, some loss (10 %) to the front endpapers, front edge of title papge chipped not affecting the text, engraved illustration damaged with minor loss to one image; otherwise a very good copy in its apparent orginal binding. For more see Westwood, 59-60. The second most important book on fishing... well, maybe the third