242 Dr. Johnson and Walton. 



have advised the publication of a new 

 edition of The Compleat Angler, when that 

 work had been out of print for nearly a 

 century, also that he should have con- 

 templated writing a Life of Walton. 



Moses Browne, in the Preface to his 

 edition of Walton's Angler, says he under- 

 took it " at the invitation of a very in- 

 genious and learned friend (Mr. Samuel 

 Johnson), who mentioned to me, I re- 

 member, in that Conversation his Design 

 to write the Life of Walton. I wish he 

 had performed it." Boswell tells us that 

 Johnson " talked of Isaac Walton's 

 Lives, which was one of his most favourite 

 books. Dr. Donne's Life, he said, was 

 the most perfect of them." 



Moses Browne gives his estimate of the 

 book in these enthusiastic words : 



" Mr. Isaack Walton's Compleat Angler 

 has been always had in greatest reputation, 

 by such as are acquainted with Books, 

 and have any Discernment, in works of 

 Merj,t and Nature. And is so happy to 

 have this which is very singular and un- 

 common to recommend it, that it has 

 found the Way to make itself exceedingly 

 agreeable to Readers of all Tastes, who 

 have perused it. Not only the lovers of 

 this Art, but all others that have least 

 inclination to the Diversion it treats of, 



