218 BIBLIOTHECA PISCATORIA. 



newly extant, a Book of i8d. price, called the Compleat angler, etc,'" 

 is found at the foot of the last page (1470) of no. 154 of the " Mer- 

 curius Politicus... From Thursday, May 19 to Thursday May 26, 



1653-" 



The "Epistle dedicatory," addressed "To the right worshipful 

 John Offley of Madeley Majior in the County of Stafford, Esq." is 

 signed " Iz'. Wa.," and the author's name does not appear on the 

 title-page before the edition of 1676. The commendatory verses in 

 the second edition are, however, inscribed to "Mr. Izaak Walton." 



A fine and perfect copy of the first edition, estimated by Dr. 

 Bethune in 1847 at twelve guineas, is now worth ^50 to 60, an 

 enhancement of value in which the other editions have not parti- 

 cipated. This advance will probably continue, for the number of 

 collectors has increased and is increasing with whom the rule 

 obtains, " aut Caesar, aut nullus." A FIRST Walton confers dis- 

 tinction upon its owner. A Second is but a Second, though it may 

 be rarer. If a copy be perfect, its condition somewhat affects 

 its value, but an imperfect copy seeks a market in vain save at a low 

 price. We forbear quoting auction prices. Copies rarely reach the 

 auction room and the prices, at which they may have been occa- 

 sionally sold there, afford no criterion of their true value.] 



The compleat angler or the contemplative man's 



recreation. Being a discourse of rivers, and fish-ponds, and 

 fish, and fishing. Not unworthy the perusal of most anglers. 

 The second edition much enlarged. John 21. 3. Simon Peter 

 saith unto them, I go a fishing, they said unto him, we also go 

 with thee. London, printed by T. M. for Rich. Marriot, and 

 are to be sold at his shop in St. Dunstans Church-yard Fleet- 

 street. 1655. 12. 



[Collation: A to Q in 1 2s.; or, pp. xxiv, 355, i (blank), iii (Contents), 

 i (blank.) The engraved scroll is again used on title and to the plates 

 of fish are added the bream, the eel, the loach and the bull-head. 

 The book has almost been rewritten. The interlocutors are three 

 in this edition, Piscator, Auceps, and Venator who takes the place 

 of Viator. Commendatory verses by seven writers are for the first 

 time inserted. The first " To my 'dear brother-in-law Mr. Izaak 

 Walton " is signed " Jo. Floud, Mr. of Arts ;" the next " C. H., 

 Mr. of Arts," that is "Ch. Harvie " as given in 1676 ; then follow 

 "Tho. Weaver, Mr. of Arts," " Edw. Powel, Master of Arts," 

 "Alex. Brome," "Rob. Floud C.,' 1 - and "Henry Bayley, Artium 

 Magister."] 



The compleat angler or the contemplative man's 



recreation. Being a discourse of rivers, fish-ponds, fish and 

 fishing. To which is added the laws of angling : with a new 

 table of the particulars in this book. The third edition much 

 enlarged. London, printed by J. G. for Rich. Marriot, at his 

 shop in St. Dunstans Church-yard, Fleet-street. 1661. 8. 



[Collation : A to s in eights ; or pp. xvi, 255, i (blank), vii (The 

 laws of angling), i (blank), viii (Contents and Table). The engraved 

 scroll is again used. The changes in the body of the work are few 



