The Complete Angler’s Vade-Mecum

Being a Perfect Code of Instruction on the Above Pleasing Science

By Captain T Williamson

London, Payne and Mackinlay., London, 1808. First Edition. 8vo, [xi], 316pp., 10 engraved plates, Half-leather and green cloth boards, marbled end papers in Excellent condition with very little foxing andsno folds or tears. A Scarce and important publication.

— Westwood & Satchell, pp.241-42; Albee, p.167; Heckscher Sale Catalogue, lot #2274.

This book is on a larger scale than most angling manuals, being extremely thorough on the topics of equipment and bait as well as the habits of the fish themselves. It also gets high marks for originality among so many derivative angling books. Williamson says that he has not servilely copied from any man, but explains that when his own experience has justified a concurrence with the practices of others, he has adopted them and given them all due praise.