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    456 Results with the "Biography" genre


    • Chapter IX -The Compleat Angler Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter offers a detailed exploration of carps, hailed as the "queen of rivers" and esteemed for their cunning and difficulty to catch. Originally not native to England, carps were introduced by Mr. Mascal from Sussex, a region rich in these fish. The narration delves into historical anecdotes and observations from various sources to illustrate the carp's habits, breeding patterns, and culinary value. It explains that carps were relatively recent additions to England's fauna, alongside other foreign…
    • Chapter X -The Compleat Angler Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter X of "The Compleat Angler," Piscator expounds on the habits and qualities of the Bream, a large and stately fish favored for pond dwelling, renowned for its growth to substantial size and fatness under favorable conditions. The chapter intricately describes the bream's physical characteristics, diet, and the astonishing phenomenon reported by Gesner where breams in a Polish pond disappeared under ice only to reappear the following spring, drawing a parallel to natural cycles of renewal. The…
    • Chapter XI -The Compleat Angler Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Compleat Angler," Chapter XI continues with Piscator offering insights into the Tench, a fish highly esteemed not for its taste but for its medicinal benefits. He begins by characterizing the Tench as a fish that prefers still waters, such as ponds and pits over the currents of rivers, although there is a mention of a river in Dorsetshire known for its Tench population. The fish is described in detail, noting its large fins, smooth scales, a distinctive red circle around its gold-colored eyes, and…
    • Chapter XII -The Compleat Angler Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XII of "The Compleat Angler," Piscator and Venator delve into the qualities and behaviors of the perch, a notable fish renowned for its bold biting and predatory nature similar to pike and trout. Perch are distinguished by their unique physical traits, including a back armed with sharp bristles and thick scales, and they exhibit aggressive tendencies, even towards their own kind, a behavior not common in pike. They are celebrated in various regions for their nutritional value, despite opinions…
    • Chapter XIII -The Compleat Angler Cover
      by LovelyMay The Compleat Angler's Chapter XIII, shared by Piscator, dives into a comprehensive narrative on eels, their breeding, varieties, habits, and fishing techniques, intertwined with historical anecdotes and recipes. The discourse begins with a contemplation on the breeding mysteries of eels, highlighting differing theories from generation to spontaneous origins from mud or dew, reflecting a blend of scientific observation and ancient conjecture. Piscator notes the Romans' high regard for eels, equating them to…
    • To the Right worshipful Cover
      by LovelyMay In the opening dedication of "The Compleat Angler," the author extends his respects to John Offley of Madeley Manor, Staffordshire, expressing a hope that Offley would extend his patronage to the book. This gesture is founded on the shared passion for angling, an activity the author regards not merely as a pastime but as an art form that Offley exemplifies through his skill rather than mere luck. The author emphasizes angling as a noble pursuit that requires not only knowledge and patience but also an…
    • Chapter XIV -The Compleat Angler Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XIV of "The Compleat Angler," the discourse continues with Piscator (the Fisherman), Venator (the Hunter), and a Milk-woman engaging in a knowledgeable exchange on the topic of the Barbel. Piscator begins by describing the Barbel's distinctive features, particularly its barbels under its nose, contributing to its name and sturdy nature that rarely breaks free once hooked. Despite its impressive size and fight, the Barbel is not highly regarded for eating due to the poor taste and potential…
    • The epistle to the reader Cover
      by LovelyMay In the epistle "To all Readers of this discourse, but especially to the honest Angler" of *The Compleat Angler*, the author sincerely informs the reader of his modest intention behind the work. He clarifies from the outset that his efforts were neither for self-pleasure nor for accolades, but rather out of a gentle nudge to please others. He expresses a humble hope that if his work does not earn admiration, it would at least be pardoned for any shortcomings. With a light-hearted tone, he sets his…
    • Chapter XV -The Compleat Angler Cover
      by LovelyMay In Chapter XV of "The Compleat Angler," Piscator shares his knowledge on fishing for Gudgeon, Ruffe (also known as Pope), and Bleak, focusing on their nature, dietary habits, and how to catch them. Gudgeons are depicted as fish with a fine silver color and black spots, praised for excellent taste and health benefits. They breed in summer and feed off the ground in sharp streams, making them a target for anglers using small red worms. Unlike other fish, Gudgeons and Barbel do not pursue flies but are ground…
    • Chapter XVI -The Compleat Angler Cover
      by LovelyMay Chapter XVI of "The Compleat Angler" unfolds with a serene meeting among friends, Piscator, Venator, Peter, and Coridon, returning from their diverse day's endeavors. Piscator begins by expressing an intent to share angling knowledge, specifically about roach and dace, yet postpones it as Peter and Coridon join them. Gathering at the door of a lodging, their immediate concern turns towards satisfying their hunger and thirst, reflecting the human essentials of rest and fellowship after a day's pleasure of…
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