Izaak Walton, an English writer, is best known as the author of The Compleat Angler (not a spelling error). However, his influence extends beyond angling. If you haven't read the book or looked into the history of Izaak Walton, then you are missing out. Here are a few tidbits of information to gain your interest and hopefully help you pursue a historical adventure into fly fishing and an amazing person. 

• Biography:
  • Born around 1593 in Stafford, England, Walton moved to London in his teens, where he worked as a linen draper.
  • He befriended the poet and clergyman John Donne and became a Royalist during the English Civil War.
  • After the Royalist defeat at Marston Moor in 1644, Walton returned to Staffordshire and settled at Shallowford.
  • His experiences at Shallowford provided material for The Compleat Angler, first published in 1653.
• The Compleat Angler:
  • This classic work celebrates the art and spirit of fishing. It combines practical angling advice with folklore and reflections on nature.
  • Walton’s love for fishing shines through as he shares the joys of the sport.
  • The Compleat Angler has been reprinted over 300 times, making it one of the most enduring books in English literature.
• Other Works:
  • Izaak Walton also wrote short biographies, including one of his friend John Donne.
  • These biographies were later collected under the title of Walton’s Lives.
  • His literary admirers include Charles Lamb, and his legacy extends to places and organizations in England, the United States, and Kenya.
• Legacy:
  • Izaak Walton left his residence at Shallowford to the local poor, and it is now maintained as a museum in his honor.
  • His influence on fishing, literature, and conservation endures, making him a beloved figure among anglers and beyond.

Izaak Walton’s passion for fishing and his timeless writings continue to inspire generations.  I hope that this brief glimpse inspires you to seek out a copy of the Compleat Angler and give it a read. It will change your life.

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By Christian Bacasa
Host of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast
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