cover image Fly Fisherman's Odyssey

Fly Fisherman's Odyssey

Robert H. Mengel. Lyons and Burford Publishers, $19.95 (150pp) ISBN 978-1-55821-221-3

Mengel (1921-1990) was a distinguished ornithologist by profession, a fly fisherman by passion. And this collection of sketches and travelogues (set mostly in Alaska) benefits from a sensitive mind trained to observe subtlety in nature. Mengel wrote more than 100 ornithological papers and books (most notably the landmark Birds of Kentucky) ; the 23 previously unpublished pieces collected here represent his entire output on fishing. Each essay has the tone of a satisfying campfire conversation, a feel for the natural world of rivers that approaches the range and power of Roderick Haig-Brown. Even nonanglers will feel the sense of purpose and quick joy just under the surface of these yarns. Illustrations not seen by PW . (May)