1931 Rare Deluxe Edition - The Compleat Angler illustrated by Arthur Rackham

Author: Izaak Walton. Illustrated by Arthur Rackham.
Title: The Compleat Angler or The Contemplative Man’s Recreation: Being a Discourse of Rivers, Fishponds, Fish and Fishing not unworthy the Perusal of most Anglers.
Publisher: London, George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd., 1931 (first published 1653; this edition based on the 1676 fifth edition, edited by Richard Le Gallienne, originally printed in 1897).  First edition illustrated by Arthur RACKHAM. 
Language: Text in English.
Size: 10.25 x 7.75 inches.
Pages: 223 pages.
Binding: Attractive and near fine publisher's deluxe binding in full black morocco leather, gilt titles and decoration to spine and front cover, with a triple-ruled border and intricate blind tooling around both panels. Raised bands to spine with gilt fish motif. This binding was specially issued between the original vellum edition and the standard cloth edition (hinges fine, overall slightly scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. Upper edge gilt.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining mostly to the preliminary and final leaves, as well as marginal staining to lower edge of pages 32–33 and outer text block edges - as shown). Interior otherwise very clean and tight.
Illustrations: Beautifully illustrated with 12 full-page color plates by Arthur Rackham, each protected by captioned tissue guards, along with numerous in-text illustrations, silhouettes, and ornamental initials. All plates are complete and in fine condition.

Estimate: (USD 600–800). 

The book: A striking illustrated edition of Izaak Walton’s beloved 17th-century treatise on the art and philosophy of angling, beautifully reimagined by Arthur Rackham. First published in 1653, The Compleat Angler is part fishing manual, part meditative prose, and part pastoral dialogue, revered for its charming insights into nature and its celebration of contemplative life. This finely bound copy reflects the publisher’s special presentation standard issued before the trade cloth editions and makes an elegant collectible for Rackham enthusiasts and lovers of sporting literature alike.

The author: Izaak Walton (1593–1683) was an English writer best known for The Compleat Angler, which has become one of the most reprinted books in English literary history. Though not a professional fisherman, Walton’s affection for angling as a spiritual and recreational pursuit shines through his work, casting the fisherman not merely as a sportsman, but as a philosopher of nature and simplicity.

The illustrator: Arthur Rackham (1867–1939) was one of the most celebrated illustrators of the early 20th century, known for his ethereal, often whimsical style that bridges fantasy and realism. His illustrations for The Compleat Angler are among his most subtle and atmospheric, harmonizing perfectly with Walton’s gentle reflections on fishing, friendship, and the natural world.