Trout: An Illustrated History

by James Prosek

Book Overview

Having developed a passion for fishing as a boy, James Prosek searched in vain for a book that catalogued the trout he had come to treasure. Then he began painting them himself, inspired by John James... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 067944453X
• ISBN13: 9780679444534
• Release Date: April 1996
• Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 1.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 10.3" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

The eye of the beholder.

This book will be different things to different people. I can't speak to the accuracy of the text as one critic has but I will say that I learned a few interesting things. As a hobbiest illustrator and amature artist, I do appreciate the excellent work of the young trout enthusiast and author. I would not consider the comments of our friend the "scientific illustrator" who claims, "On my first attempts at color, i could easily do that kind of work." Well said. I eagerly await your comments on Picasso's "bicycle parts". This book is not a masterpiece but a work of art. I don't believe it to profess to be the definitive word on trout, yet it offers some interesting tidbits. Most of all this book resides in the place that borders two wonderful worlds; that of trout and that of art. For those who are intrigued by either world, this book will make a very welcomed addition to your library. For those of us captivated by both worlds, this book is an absolute must.

A picture is worth a thousand or so words

Trout fishing is the most enjoyable thing I've ever experienced (yeah, even better than that!) Most of the books on trout lead you to believe that you have to achieve succeedingly higher levels of consciousness through concerted study of stream ecology, purchase of the most expensive equipment available, and years and years of practice and frustration in perfecting your casting skills. I've yet to see a book that simplifies the whole thing and tells you how you can wade into a stream in sneakers and shorts, armed with very little more than your rod, reel, and a few flies, and start catching fish right away. No, Prosek's book doesn't do any of that, but it hints at the essential simplicity of trout fishing. The illustrations are riveting and serve well as reference plates. The commentary is blessedly sparse and gets to the point. It's a truly beautiful book and an obvious labor of love. Since so much literary claptrap surrounds fly fishing, I would have to compare most books on the subject to "Ulysses", while Prosek has produced a haiku that couples art and science. (I'm about to gag at my own literary allusion!)If you want to get into the trout and fly obsession, buy this book for inspiration. Then, I guess I'll just have to write that book about cut-rate, simplified fly fishing as your next step!

A very special book

This is a fascinating book. It provides a wonderful introduction to the varieties of trout in America. When I opened the book, the beautiful illustrations were the first to catch my attention. But after reading the informative and sometimes poetic text describing each species, I think the words paint an even more beautiful picture that reflects the author's passion and love for trout and their habitat. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about trout beyond just the rainbow trout sold in the grocery store.

Simply...Fantastic!

I wonderful book detailing some lesser known and extinct trout strains, as well as most of the "common" trout in North Amrica. Beautiful drawings of the various trout represented.

A fly-fisherman's wish-list of fish and destinations.

If you're a fly fisherman, reading this book can make you want to go out and discover all of these trout. Most of us have no idea of the variety of trout found in North America. After reading this book I wanted to travel to distant corners of the continent in search of Rio Yaqui and Sheephaven Creek Redband trout. Although lacking the detail of an Audubon or Peterson, Prosek's illustrations are beautiful, and capture the spirit of these gorgeous creatures. A must have for any angler who has ever enjoyed just looking at a trout.