[Crawhall, Joseph] | Presentation copy of "The Compleatest Angling Booke that Ever was Writ..."

Property from the Library of John M. Schiff

[Crawhall, Joseph]

The Compleatest Angling Booke that Ever was Writ... [Newcastle-upon-Tyne: by and for the author, 1859]

4to (230 x 185 mm). Fish and hook device to title reinterpreting the Aldine device, hand-colored initials, inscribed by Crawhall to his son on first page, 31 engraved plates on india paper and mounted (one in hand-colored and uncolored state), 6 of which fully or partially hand-colored, other full page illustrations or facsimiles of music, etc., numerous vignettes in the text, many of which hand-colored, with 2 original watercolors by Crawhall including one full-page of a trout; some foxing and marginal staining. Contemporary half red morocco and red cloth-covered boards, top edge gilt; minor rubbing to extremities. In custom slipcase and folding chemise. 

First edition, 30 of 40 copies printed — presentation copy to the author's son, inscribed: "for my dear son Joseph."

The author's first book, published anonymously. "A very curious and original work and one of the chief rarities of the angling bibliophile's collection...only forty copies were struck off for private circulation" (Westwood & Satchell). Copies appear to vary as to contents. Crawhall—in addition to being a skilled painter, wood engraver, and writer—was an accomplished businessman, and active patron of the arts who frequently collaborated with illustrator and angler Charles Keene.  

A second edition was printed in 1881, featuring illustrations by the author's son, to whom this copy is inscribed. 

With two original watercolors.