The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

I do not have many old books with inscriptions - I have included two - but my favourite of all inscriptions is the last entry by Chris - Mr Yates inside ‘The Deepening Pool’ wonderful.

Interesting Peter, as I own several of the books from the Jack Reece collection. Fellow member Luke was selling them on that auction site and he kindly included a few for a collection he donated to our angling club lending library

Argh - well that makes sense as the S.F. did indeed come from that auction site as I remember. I also now you mention it recollect a post or two on here regarding these private collection ex libris books.

Many years ago there was a time when collecting books that I tried to avoid any inscriptions. The turning point came when my wife surprised me with one that read "To Pater, Happy Xmas 1879",well written in lovely old ink. Immediately I thought of Rorke's Drift (year of Zulu battle), and nine years before Jack the Ripper etc etc. Inscriptions really do give a wonderful sense of history, and a personal touch. Just now wish I hadn't turned my nose up at others in the past!

Although my favourite is in an old mountaineering book, with family book plate, and is more like a letter than an inscription!

Wow! The bird books inscription was a masterpiece!
A reel keepsake... someone had been working hard!
And, nice sentiments in the complete angler and I see that.
Another below of a book that was given to me by my next door neighbours when I was around 14.
Mr B (Mark)

A book I pick up when fancying a quick read, only to find I am still absorbed an hour or so later.

There all coming out of the wood work now!
Lovely.
This one I like, I have had this book for as long as I can remember and each time I look at the inscription wonder what this lady Angler looked like back then... what a fish!

Mr B

I bought this copy from the World of Books for the princely sum of £3, they had 3 copies for sale. When I saw the inscription I realised that is was the same copy I sold a couple of years before at Redditch.

Not a fishing book, but the inscription from the author is sort of related. A classic book ‘60’s book for boys.

I absolutely love this one in my 1906 1st edition copy of "My Fishing Days and Fishing Ways" by J. W. Martin (The Trent Otter) ... it doesn't make clear if Mr. Newman is a staff member or an inmate !!!