Nymph Fishing in Perspective brings the history of nymph fishing for trout up to date. The first chapter will give those new to the history and development of nymph fishing a good grounding in the subject while not being simply a repetition for those who read the author's first book NYMPH FISHING, A History of the Art and Practice. For them it will be something of a refresher. Nymph Fishing in Perspective contains much new information, particularly about Big Jim Leisenring and "Pete" Hidy, as well as previously unseen or rarely published photographs.
The history of nymph fishing is a complex story of human foibles and societal values. Early ideas that were not understood or recognised as valuable by a broad audience and left to moulder. Practices based on keen observation and good fly tying creating success that engenders jealousy among "brothers of the angle". The imposition of some arbitrary depth of water above which it is acceptable to catch a trout, but let your fly sink deeper and your ethics are called into question. (An outsider might suggest that much of this discomfort is that it's rooted in the English class system and the claiming of all rights to good water - nationals of other countries just go fishing). This history stretches over centuries and nations. Inevitably, one person or their ideas are relevant to more than one place in this book, so collecting all the main characters and listing them in the order they appear in this book and in one place provides an anchoring point for readers.
"Terry Lawton has done a sterling job cooking up this book. He has comprehensively researched British, American and international writings on nymphing, and ladled great appetising chunks into 'Nymph Fishing in Perspective'. The gravy between the chunks of meat is savoury too, and helps it all come together into a book that the reader can devour with gusto whilst appreciating the more subtle flavours our chef has introduced." Peter Hayes, authour of Fly Fishing Outside The Box, Emerging Heresies
"After many years of immersing himself in the Leisenring-Hidy story, Terry Lawton has gracefully and accurately described their contributions to the history of wet-fly tying and fishing for trout. Lawton's writing, and thoughtful choice of extracts, helps to bring to life this chapter of fly fishing history in the United States, including the Leisenring Lift, presentation of the fly to the trout, and V. S. Hidy's coinage of the term flymph." - Lance Hidy, son of Vernon S "Pete" Hidy
