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I’m not surprised that it is Medlar who have published the biography of one of our most famous anglers, Hugh Falkus. And after reading the superb biography of Richard Walker by Barrie Rickards, also by Medlar, I’m glad. Again, as with the Walker book, with this book on the life and times of Falkus, the research is thorough and the writing first class. The author, Chris Newton, has got under Falkus’ skin and revealed a story of a rather complicated man who, besides being a superb fisherman with many other talents, was an outspoken man who made enemies as easily as he made friends. There are lots of little known facts about him, such as him being a fighter pilot shot down in his Spitfire, captured by the Germans and, due to his lifelong fight against authority, kept in solitary confinement for most of the war. His fishing life is more well known of course, but even so, there are many insights and revelations that surprise us. Hugh Falkus was one of those rare anglers who could catch fish, particularly sea trout, when many others could not. He was a countryman, a shooter, a broadcaster, playwright, yachtsman, an actor, a producer and a superb writer. He also, as the author reveals, had a darker side. If biographies of famous anglers interest you then don’t miss this one. It’s one of the best. Rating: 9/10 |
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