A near fine First edition, thus; the important 6th Bethune (American) edition (Coigney 109) of "The Complete Angler; or The Contemplative Man's Recreation. And Instructions How to Angle for a Trout or Grayling in a Clear Stream." Published by John Wiley, New York. This is a new edition with some additions and corrections, from the Editor's own copy but adhering to the original text of 1847. There's an engraved frontispiece portrait of Walton with tissue guard facing the title page. Part II is Charles Cotton's How to Angle for a Trout or Grayling in a Clear Stream. With an engraved portrait of Cotton facing the title page of Part II, with tissue guard. There are four large woodcuts and nineteen woodcuts of fish in the text. By far the most important inclusion in this book is George W. Bethune's editorial contributions. Condition: 8vo - 9" - 10" tall; Attractive half leather binding. Issued two volumes in one binding. xcii, 294, xxxii, 215 pp. including appendices and indices. Two distinct title pages for each volume, with 1880 dates to title and copyright pages. Beautifully rebound with the tag of bookbinder David Comstock. Brown calf spine with gilt stamped titles and devices within seven ruled bands over marbled boards with matching endpapers and upper edge in gilt. A few spots (ink?) along the leather spine, a bit of toning to the outer page edges and some chipping and ceasing to the lower corner of a few pages. Overall, an outstanding copy of this important Bethune annotated copy of The Complete Angler.