About the book: 2018 / In terms of the number of reprints, this book ranks third in the English-speaking world after the Bible and Shakespeare's plays. "The Artful Angler" is a whimsical combination of practical fishing advice, poetry, anecdotes and sermons in praise of a virtuous and peaceful life in the lap of nature, which the author contrasts with the bloody revolutions and civil wars that tormented England in the 17th century. Illustrations kindly provided by publisher and collector William D. Trego, Meadow Run Press, Far Hills, New Jersey, USA.