The Complete Angler; or, Contemplative Man's Recreation

London: Samuel Bagster, 1808 . First edition. Leather. Very Good. 9.5" by 6". Not Stated. A lovely example of Bagster's first edition of Izaak Walton's famed celebration of angling, extra-illustrated with seventeen hand-coloured plates. This is the seventh edition of the work, and the first edition to be edited by Bagster. Bagster was the founder of the publishing firm 'Bagster and Sons', and was notable for his polyglot bibles. Illustrated with seventeen engraved plates as called for, and extra-illustrated with a further seventeen hand coloured proof plates depicting the fish vignettes present throughout the work. These hand coloured plates are bound in facing their corresponding vignettes.Collated, complete.A well known work first published in the seventeenth century, celebrating the art and spirit of fishing, in both prose and verse. New editions were edited and expanded by Walton for over a quarter of a century, with the second part of this work written by Walton's friend and fellow angler, Charles Cotton.Retaining the original half title.With the advertisement leaf to the rear detached and loosely inserted.With the armorial bookplate of Edgar Drummond to the front pastedown. Rebacked, in a full calf binding with gilt detailing. Back strip renewed, with original boards restored. Externally, very smart. Rubbing to joints, with head and tail of front joint starting, and board holding firm. Rear hinge strained but firmly held. Bookplate to front pastedown. Advertisement lead detached and loosely inserted. Internally, firmly bound. Pages a touch age toned, with the odd spot or light handling mark. Very Good