Recently published in The Field – a review of ‘Fishing in the Footsteps of Mr. Crabtree’ by John Bailey, illustrations by Rob Olsen:
An iconic book, Mr Crabtree Goes Fishing by Bernard Venables, published in 1949, suffused a generation of fledgling fishermen ith piscatorial pinings.
This book is an affectionate panegyric by “Team Crabtree”. an enthusiastic bunch who believe that the gentle and practical Mr Crabtree can still instil in the modern reader a reverence and love for the sport of angling.
He does, and so does the book. By melding Venables’ illustrations, new cartoons by Robert Olsen and Bailey’s personal fishing experiences they have created a practical guide to mentor, teach and encourage, just as Crabtree did.
The book begins with a series of contributions from Crabtree devotees and an introduction to the world of Mr Crabtree. Chapters follow on angling, including the fish, weights, watercraft and bait.
It is an invaluable guide for a new generation of anglers.