Illuminated By Water by Malachy Tallack

Introduction

Illuminated by Wateris a book aboutthe authors own decades-long passion for fly fishing and how it has shaped theway he sees andthinks about the natural world. That passion is shared and madelegible here, not just for other anglers, but for those who havenever yet casta line in the water. Why is it that catching fishor even thinking aboutcatching fishcan be so thrilling, socaptivating? Why is it that timespent beside water can be imprinted so sharply in the memory? Why is it thatwhat seems asimple actof casting a line and hopingcan feel so rich inmystery?

Alternating between regional andthematic chapters, Tallack considers wildness, its pursuit, and its meanings;the compulsiveappeal of tying flies; the ethics of catching and killing; theallure of big fish; and beautywhere its sought and where its found. Hedescribes fly fishing trips to America, Canada, Shetland, and England. Throughout the book,certain themes recurenvironmental harm and healing;the relationship betweenfishing and time; hope and its manifestations; and the ways in which anglingcan deepen engagementwith the natural world.