FISHING AND HUNTING

First published in 1653, Izaak Walton's popular classic treatise on fishing goes far beyond technique, as it embraces a life that values serenity and appreciation for creation. Some of the natural history lore in this book is antiquated, but keen intelligence and good humor express themselves in a readable and enjoyable manner. This edition includes Charles Cotton's "Part 2," written at Izaak Walton's request, for the fifth edition of the book. The Compleat Angler makes a great classic gift for the fisherman, philosopher, outdoors enthusiast, or English lit major. Fishing is more than a sport; it's a lifestyle.

Now Listen, Warden, is a humorous look at the hunters, fishermen, and poachers encountered by fish and game wardens. Ray P. Holland was a well-respected U.S. Game Warden and outdoors writer (later editor of Field and Stream). His stories will be enjoyed by any outdoors folk as a slice of life from the early years of game laws.

In this classic reprint, Delmont describes his life, traveling around the globe, live animal trapping for zoos and circuses in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He gives a fascinating description of trapping techniques, as well as offering his notes on unusual behavior in species he studied.

J. A. Coxe was a record-setting fisherman and tackle-maker, specializing in Pacific game fishes. In this book, he tells us stories of his experiences in the ocean waters off the California coast and other regions of the Pacific. Practical tips for bringing in big trophy fishes (swordfish, tuna, and others) and Coxe's opinions on conservation and sportsmanship make this a great gift for any fishing enthusiast. First published by the now-gone Bronson Reel Company (to whom Coxe had sold his own reel manufacturing business), this book is an enjoyable glimpse into an enthusiastic life rarely matched today. (And, for the cryptozoology enthusiast, Coxe does briefly describe an encounter with a large sea creature with a "reptilian head" he and a fishing companion met off the California coast.)

A guide to useful knots (for boats, horses, and many other uses).