The Art of Fly Tying: Over 200 Classic & New Patterns

This is the second book on fly-tying I've read; all the things shown inside are really clear and also a child could tye a catching fly following the illustrations and the photos. Congratulations!

In The Art of Fly Tying, fly fishermen find many ways to tie high-quality, well-crafted classical flies, and most popular fly patterns. The book itself is a work of art. All color pages full of beautifull photographs.

I have reviewed a number of books on this subject and this one by far is the most easily understood. The illustrations are clearly printed and the subject matter is thorough from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book for those truly interested in learning to tie flies.

No longer limited to stuffy old Englishmen and elitist trout snobs, fly fishing has come to the masses. "The Art of Fly Tying" provides an easy entry into the mysterious world of imitation insects, minnows and other critters that fish eat. The book's sharp and colorful closeups are typical of the macro lens and high-intensity light photography that Cy De Cosse and company have become known for in their many other "how to" guides...from microwave cook books to sewing primers. This book actually combines the two latter themes by giving "recipes" of thread and other ingredients used to make the most common flies. It introduces each major type of fly pattern with a precisely photographed, step-by-step example using the basic tying techniques. If the fictional Betty Crocker had fished instead of cooked, this is the book she would have written. "The Art of Fly Tying" also includes some science: A simple introduction to insects and other aquatic dwellers' life cycles. And to the welcome relief of readers feeling overwhelmed by the presumptuous jargon of more advanced fly tying guides, Van Vliet illustrates and explains fly tying equipment. A simple photograph of five types of bobbins, for example, saves the rookie from embarassing himself at the fly shop...since none resemble what you'd find in a sewing machine. With its handy spiral binding, the book stays open and the pages lay flat for easy reference while you work, typical of the common sense approach the author takes throughout. It's one book you can't WAIT to put down, so you can pick up your tying tools and start cooking.