Fly-Fishing the 41st: Around the World on the 41st Parallel

by James Prosek

Book Overview

"James Prosek has eloquently demonstrated that angling is a kind of universal language. . . . he has taken us on an unforgettable journey." -- Thomas McGuane, author of The Cadence of Grass and The Longest Silence: A Life in Fishing

The New York Times has called James Prosek "the Audubon of the fishing world," and in Fly-Fishing the 41st, he uses his talent for descriptive writing to illuminate an astonishing...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060193794
• ISBN13: 9780060193799
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Harper
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Fly Fishing the 41st

This book arrived well packed and in a timely fashion. The condition of the book was excellent. Very good transaction!

A memorable journey

It is easy to be absorbed by James Prosek's enthusiasm in his journey around the world in search of native trout. He has cleverly chosen a path of the 41st parallel to illustrate a universal connection amongst anglers. I found myself entering into an audacious adventure where the author took me through exotic lands, meeting eccentric characters, while renewing my own thirst for discovery and exploration. His book is a joy to read, whether you are an angler, a traveller, or just someone who enjoys an inspiring adventure.

A Vicarious Adventure

The great open spaces of wanderlust and youthful adventure form the landscape of this book. Two themes thread their way like rivers through this landscape: the restless pursuit of trout (and other exotic fish); and a stream of colorful characters, drinking pals, and the occasional lovely lass. Prosek's prose is usually straightforward and Hemingway-esque, sometimes starkly and surprisingly poetic--like a haiku. Reading the book I was transported to wonderful youthful days gone by and was sorry when it was all over. If you're looking for a book that's first and foremost about fly-fishing, this isn't really it. If you're game for a vicarious adventure through far-flung exotic lands punctuated by a bit of fishing along the way, this tale is a joy.

Trout galore and more

James Prosek, "the young Audubon" of trout and fly fishing, has done it again with his latest book "Fly Fishing on the 41st." He seems to go from strength to strength. What at first seemed like a stunt, to fish around the globe on the 41st parallel, turns out to be a rich taste of ichthyology, sociology, geography, and biography, to say nothing of Prosek's appealing illustrative art.This is far more than any one of these fields by itself. For in combining all of them, he takes the reader on an engrossing journey, serious in its aim, yet fascinating in its account of "schwarzfishers" and their adventures seeking trout, often in officially forbidden territory, but in fact acceptable to any true sportsman. For the main thrust is catch and release, keeping what he and his companions caught only for scientific purposes (except for the occasional campers' meal.) Prosek's emphasis on limning the various couontries visited, the fishermen who were his companions and the wide variety of trout in the world all combine to make this a very readable book for a wide audience. I recommend it highly for anyone.