Minor Tactics of the Chalk Stream. [With a Typed Letter Signed by G. E. M. Skues Laid-in]. by G. E. M. Skues

London. Adam and Charles Black. 1910. First Edition. Octavo (8 ½ x 6 ½). xii, 133 pp. plus publisher's advertisements. Color frontispiece showing thirteen flies dressed by Mr. Skues with each fly identified. With a two-page typed letter signed by Mr. Skues, dated February 13, 1940, addressed to Baird C. Foster of Merchantville, New Jersey, laid-in. Mr. Foster was a member of The Anglers’ Club of New York and a bamboo fly rod maker and he was a frequent correspondent with G. E. M. Skues. In the letter, Mr. Skues discusses bamboo fly rod construction and the correct dimensions of their hexagon construction ( he also enclosed a drawing showing Mr. Foster the precise measurements), and he mentions a fly pattern he sent to Preston Jennings to try. This book turned chalk stream fly fishing on its head - upstream and downstream nymph fishing techniques were held to be generally heretical at the time, still somewhat so today; however Mr. Skues methods are the best way to catch wary trout. The book is bound in the original olive brown cloth with gilt titles on the spine and front cover. Neat previous owner's name and date (1910) on the front pastedown with a sporting bookplate designed by Lance Hidy (Vernon S. "Pete" Hidy’s son). Light edge wear to the cloth. A very good book. Bright and clean. The letter with old folds and in very good condition, with a few corrections in Mr. Skues’s hand.. Signed by Author. First Edition..