
E-text prepared by deaurider, Paul Marshall, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made available by Internet Archive (https://archive.org)
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION - PART I
GREEK AND ROMAN FISHING. - CHAPTER IHOMER—THE POSITION OF FISHERMEN
EGYPTIAN FISHING
ASSYRIAN FISHING - CHAPTER XXXNO ROD, ALTHOUGH CLOSE INTERCOURSE WITH EGYPT
JEWISH FISHING - CHAPTER XXXVIIIROD NOT EMPLOYED IN SPITE OF CLOSE INTERCOURSE WITH EGYPT—REASONS SUGGESTED FOR ABSENCE
CHINESE FISHING
INDEX
Delving into the surprisingly rich tapestry of early angling, this study follows a lifelong fisherman‑scholar as he traces the art of fishing back to its first depictions in ancient Egypt and beyond. Drawing on classical sources—from Aristotle’s early observations of fish scales to Plutarch’s surprisingly tolerant remarks—the author weaves together literary excerpts, archaeological finds, and his own practical insights to reveal how early societies understood and celebrated the sport. Along the way, readers encounter the curious fish‑avatar of Vishnu, the poetic verses of Homer, and rare references that have long eluded modern historians.
The narrative balances careful academic research with a storyteller’s enthusiasm, inviting listeners to picture bronze rods, tight lines, and the whispered myths that once surrounded rivers and lakes. By comparing ancient techniques with later developments up to the seventeenth century, the book offers a vivid snapshot of how a simple pastime helped shape culture across continents, all while maintaining a warm, conversational tone that feels like a chat with an old friend who loves both history and a good day on the water.
Language
en
Duration
~12 hours (724K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Sep 4, 2018
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1856–1938
Best remembered for a sweeping history of angling, this British writer turned a love of fishing into a richly detailed study of how people have fished across the ancient world. His work still appeals to readers who enjoy nature writing, sport, and curious corners of history.
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