Publisher: | Manchester: Sherratt & Hughes | Edition: | 1st edition; Published Date: 1928 | Illustrations: | 13 full-page plates and 5 pairs of mounted chapter head/tail-pieces. | Dimensions: | 279 x 213 mm (11 x 8 inches) - ix, 191pp | Appearance: | Green hardback cloth cover with gilt lettering. | Condition: | VG : in very good condition without dust jacket. Minor yellowing to pages. |
The Beresford Vale. Cotton wrote part II of Izaac Walton's 'Compleat Angler' (5th edition, 1676) and was born at his father's estate of Beresford, Staffordshire, England. His father was a warm friend of Ben Jonson, Selden, Donne and other illustrious men. As a boy, Cotton travelled in Europe and, in 1656, married Isabella, half-sister of the regicide John Hutchinson. Though a sincere loyalist, he seems to have lived securely enough under Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth. He inherited his father's estates on the latter's death in 1658, although unprosperous lawsuits led to their gradual decline. In 1653, Izaac Walton published the 'Compleat Angler', one of the most successful English language books ever - reprinted 300 times! Walton and Cotton were close friends and addressed each other as Father and Son. In 1674, Cotton finished his Fishing-House at Beresford, complete with his and Walton's initials entwined in cipher over its entrance. Walton recorded his visit there in the second edition of his book. Around that time, with Walton's approval, Cotton agreed to write some "particular Directions for the taking of a Trout". Thus, in 1676, appeared 'How to angle for a Trout or Grayling in a clear stream' as part II of the fifth edition of the 'Compleat Angler'.This illustrated book is a commentary on Cotton's life, his poetry and - above all - his delightful angling treatise. Best of all, it evokes that wonderful rolling countryside in the valley of the River Dove (where Stuart, the co-owner of the shop grew up!).
|
Click an image to enlarge |