Joe,
That was a very enjoyable read - many, many thanks for your work on the re-printing.
It is amazing how much has not changed about surcasting. This is one of the rare books that reminds you that the people who lived in a previous generation were, well, people.
Some of the poetry was pretty darned good, and the writing was very engaging.
For the elements that have changed (pretty much the tackle and other equipment), it was an educational window into the state of the art from another age.
Cheers, mate. Much appreciated.
(and I will give you a call in early May, as you offered!!
)