Bowlker (Richard) The Art of Angling Improved, in all its parts, Especially Fly-Fishing,first edition, interleaved copy, some very light foxing (mostly to interleaves), old ink inscription to front free endpaper "E Lib. Ricar. Haworth Army 10 Mar. 1826..." and with note re the date of the book by M.Bland, an excellent copy in attractive contemporary russia, covers with gilt image of gentleman in a sailing boat with borders and cornerpieces of ?herons, spine ruled and titled in gilt, a little rubbed at corners, joints splitting, [Thacher p.76; W&S p.39], 12mo in 4s, Worcester, Printed by M. Olivers, [c.1746]. Richard Haworth's library of angling and other natural history and sporting books was sold by Sotheby's over four days in 1826.

***An exceptional example of this scarce first edition, written by Richard Bowlker. In the second and subsequent editions the author's son, Charles Bowlker, appears as author. Bland's note lists two possible dates for the book: 1746 and 1748. He continues, "I am inclined to think the latter date to be correct - as it appears in manuscript on the Title Page of a Copy presented to me some Years since by a Gentleman who was, I believe, personally acquainted with the Author. M Bland. 15 Sept. 1836.".