Angler's Choice 1947 First Edition American Trout Fly Fishing

Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

There’s a certain magic that happens when you pick up a book and instantly feel its history, its purpose. It’s not just the words on the page, but the very object itself that tells a story. For me, few things conjure that feeling quite like a well-preserved volume dedicated to a timeless pursuit. Lately, I’ve been spending some quality time with one such book that absolutely grabbed me, a true classic for anyone who understands the quiet thrill of a riverbank and the delicate art of the cast. I’m talking about Angler’s Choice: An Anthology of American Trout Fly Fishing, edited by the legendary Howard T. Walden II, published by The Macmillan Company back in 1947. This isn’t just any old collection; it’s a foundational text, a meticulously compiled American trout fly fishing anthology that really speaks to the soul of the sport. From the moment I first laid eyes on its distinct green covers and that gleaming gilt stamping, I knew I had something special on my hands.

Currently available: A copy of this item is in our collection — listed at $45. View listing on eBay →

The Lure of the Line: Why This Anthology Still Casts a Spell

Imagine the world in 1947. The war was over, folks were coming home, and there was a renewed hunger for the simple, profound pleasures of life – things like getting back out into nature, rediscovering hobbies, and perhaps most of all, finding a bit of peace by a clear, cold stream. This book perfectly captures that spirit. Angler’s Choice wasn’t just a random collection of stories; it was a deliberate effort to gather the very best of American fly-fishing thought, history, and philosophy into a single volume for a generation eager to learn, to connect, and to preserve traditions. It’s a snapshot of a particular moment, but it’s also a bridge, bringing the wisdom of earlier decades to new enthusiasts.

Howard T. Walden II, the editor, wasn’t just some guy with a fishing rod. He was a prominent fishing author and a dedicated conservationist. You can feel his passion and respect for the sport bleeding through every page of this anthology. He wasn’t just collecting stories; he was curating a legacy. What he assembled here are the voices of no fewer than thirty legendary fly-fishing masters. Think about that for a second: thirty different perspectives, thirty distinct styles, all focused on the same beloved pursuit. Names like Bliss Perry, whose prose feels as natural and flowing as a mountain stream; George M. La Branche, a true innovator and philosopher of the sport; and Edward R. Hewitt, whose scientific approach to trout and their habits was revolutionary. These aren’t just names; they’re titans, and having their collective wisdom packaged in one place makes this book an absolute goldmine for anyone wanting to truly understand the roots of American fly fishing.

The book itself runs to 317 pages, and let me tell you, every one of them is packed. It’s a mix of classic stories that transport you streamside, insightful essays that make you think differently about your next cast, and fascinating historical overviews that trace the evolution of techniques and tackle. It’s not just a how-to guide; it’s a why-to guide, delving into the deeper satisfaction and spiritual connection that angling offers. For a collector, or even just an avid angler, this compilation isn’t just a nice addition to the bookshelf; it’s a foundational reference work, a historical document that codifies and celebrates the sport’s traditions and its masters. When you pick up a copy of Angler’s Choice, you’re not just holding a book; you’re holding a piece of fly-fishing history, a carefully constructed monument to a pastime that defines so many of us.

First Cast, First Print: The Collector’s Edge

Now, let’s talk about what really gets a book collector’s heart pumping: the “First Edition, First Printing.” This isn’t just marketing jargon; it’s a verifiable fact, clearly stated right there on the copyright page. For serious collectors, that’s like finding a rare native trout in a secret pool – it instantly elevates the book’s status. Why does this matter so much? Because a first edition, first printing represents the book in its original form, exactly as the author and publisher intended it to be seen upon its initial release. It’s the closest you can get to that moment in 1947 when it first hit the shelves.

In my experience picking these up, distinguishing a true first can sometimes be tricky with older books, but Macmillan was good about making it clear. Seeing “First Printing” explicitly printed on that copyright page cuts through any ambiguity. This isn’t a later reprint, a book club edition, or some revised version; this is the real deal. While general copies of Angler’s Choice aren’t exactly like hen’s teeth – you can find them if you look – a stated “First Edition, First Printing” in strong internal condition, and especially one with its original dust jacket, even a worn one, is genuinely uncommon. Most copies you encounter will be later printings, or they’ll have seen harder lives on a dusty shelf or tucked into a tackle box. The value premium on a true first is substantial, and for good reason. It’s the edition that preserves the book’s historical integrity most accurately.

And speaking of that original dust jacket, let’s not forget a charming detail often lost in later editions: the original price. This copy’s unclipped dust jacket clearly shows “$3.75.” Think about that for a moment. In 1947, that was a pretty decent chunk of change for a book, indicating it was considered a quality publication even then. That little detail, right there on the flap, connects you directly to the book’s initial commercial life, its initial perceived value. It’s one of those small, concrete numbers that makes the past feel a little more tangible.

Beyond the Text: Artistry and Aesthetics

Beyond the words and the historical weight, this book is also just a beautiful object. The Macmillan Company certainly didn’t skimp on presentation. The book is bound in rich green cloth boards, a classic choice that feels right for a nature-themed book. But what really makes the cover pop is the gilt stamping. It features an angler vignette – a detailed, graceful depiction of someone mid-cast. On this particular copy, the gilt is exceptionally bright and sharp. It hasn’t faded or dulled with time, which is a rare treat and tells you something about how this copy has been cared for over the decades. That bright gold against the deep green? It’s a visual pleasure, a promise of the quality within.

Then, you open the book, and you’re immediately greeted by another artistic touch that sets this edition apart: the full-spread illustrated endpapers. These aren’t just plain paper; they’re a detailed, evocative scene. They were skillfully illustrated by Churchill Ettinger, an artist known for his sporting scenes. His work here adds a layer of artistic appeal that goes beyond mere decoration. It sets the mood, pulls you into the world of fly fishing even before you read the first word. You can almost hear the rush of the river and feel the cool air. These illustrated endpapers are a real highlight for me, elevating the book from just a collection of stories to a carefully crafted work of art and literature. It’s these kinds of thoughtful details that truly make a book collectible, showing the care and intention that went into its original production.

The Dust Jacket Dilemma: A Tale of Two Conditions

Now, let’s talk frankly about the elephant in the room, or rather, the jacket on the book. The dust jacket on this copy is in what I’d describe as “Fair” condition. It shows heavy edge wear, there’s some chipping along the margins, and a few small tears here and there, including one notable 1-inch open tear. For some collectors, a less-than-perfect dust jacket is a deal-breaker. I get that. A pristine jacket certainly adds to the overall value and visual appeal.

But here’s my take: when you’re dealing with a book from 1947, especially one that was likely handled and read by someone passionate about the outdoors, a dust jacket like this tells a story. It suggests a life lived, a book enjoyed. More importantly, while the jacket has seen better days, the book itself is in pristine internal condition. The text block is clean, free of foxing or marks, and the binding is tight. The pages are crisp, and the illustrations are as fresh as the day they were printed. And as I mentioned, that beautiful gilt stamping on the boards? It’s still shining like new.

For me, there’s a trade-off here, and it leans heavily in favor of the book. I’d much rather have a true first edition, first printing, with a clean and bright interior, even if the dust jacket is a bit rough around the edges, than a later printing with a flawless jacket. The essence of the collectible is the book itself, and this one presents beautifully where it truly counts. The jacket, while worn, is still present and tells you it’s the original. It shows its age, yes, but it doesn’t detract from the core quality of the volume it protects. When I consider other contemporary or even modern anthologies on fly fishing, few, if any, manage to gather this specific group of legendary authors with their original contextual publications. This assembly, in its original form, is what makes Angler’s Choice stand out.

Casting a Wider Net: Walden’s Legacy

Howard T. Walden II wasn’t just an editor; he was a passionate advocate for the natural world and the traditions surrounding fly fishing. His influence extends beyond this single volume. Born in 1902, Walden lived through a period of immense change in America, and he championed the idea of connecting with nature as a fundamental part of the human experience. His work, including this anthology, played a role in shaping how a generation viewed and engaged with outdoor pursuits.

The post-WWII era saw an explosion of interest in leisure activities, and fly fishing, with its blend of skill, patience, and communion with nature, was perfectly positioned to capture the hearts of a returning generation. Walden’s decision to compile these classic stories and essays wasn’t just a publishing venture; it was a cultural contribution, helping to cement the sport’s place in the American consciousness. By bringing together these “legends,” as the research notes, he wasn’t just preserving literature; he was preserving a way of life, an ethical approach to the environment, and a profound appreciation for the subtle art of the stream. When I hold this book, I think about Walden’s vision, and how he understood that these stories were more than just entertainment; they were guideposts for a thoughtful and respectful engagement with the natural world.

Frequently Asked Questions

When I chat with other collectors about books like this, a few questions always come up. Here are some of the common ones, and what I think about them:

Who put this incredible anthology together? It was all thanks to Howard T. Walden II. He was the force behind compiling and editing Angler’s Choice, and his deep knowledge of the sport really shines through.
Is this really a true first printing? Absolutely. The research data and my own inspection confirm that “First Printing” is explicitly stated on the copyright page, which is exactly what you want to see for a verifiable first edition.
How’s that dust jacket holding up? Well, it’s had a life! It’s in ‘Fair’ condition, showing its age with some heavy edge wear, chipping, and a couple of small tears, including a noticeable 1-inch open tear. It’s definitely not pristine, but it’s still the original jacket, which is important for a first edition.
Any cool pictures inside the book? You bet. While the main text block is mostly prose, you get some truly beautiful full-spread illustrated endpapers by Churchill Ettinger. They really set the scene and add a lot to the book’s aesthetic appeal.
Who are some of the big names included? Oh, where to start? Walden managed to pull together 30 masters. You’ll find contributions from giants like Bliss Perry, George M. La Branche, Eugene V. Connett 3rd, and Edward R. Hewitt, among many others. It’s a who’s who of classic American fly fishing.

About This Copy

This particular copy of Angler’s Choice from 1947, a true First Edition, First Printing, presents as a solid, collectible example. The green cloth boards are clean, and that gilt-stamped angler vignette on the front is remarkably bright and sharp – one of the best I’ve seen. Internally, the book is pristine: the text block is clean, tight, and free of any marks or former owner inscriptions. The full-spread Churchill Ettinger endpapers are vibrant and intact. The original dust jacket is present but shows heavy edge wear, chipping, and some tears, rating it as ‘Fair’ condition. Despite the jacket’s wear, the exceptional condition of the book itself makes this a highly desirable volume for any serious collector of sporting literature or American fly-fishing history.

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