“It would sweeten a man’s temper at any time to read it,” wrote essayist Charles Lamb some years after this novel was first published in 1653. Of course, The Compleat Angler is much more than just a 17th century “how-to” guide to catching and cooking fish. So disarming is Mr. Walton’s quiet enthusiasm for the countryside and all the various delights that it contains that, even if you never have nor ever will pick up a fishing rod, you will benefit from a little time spent in the genial company of the author and his friends.