Copies: Hardback not limited. 95 limited leather copies

Extent: 288pp

Size: 156mm x 234mm

Binding: Cased, or full leather (in slipcase)

Illustrations: Monochrome with 16-page colour-plate section

A Can of Worms

Jon Berry

Over the past ten millennia, that magnificent of all fish, the barbel, has gone from being a minor species to one that now populates almost every English river. This is the story of that fish, but it is also the story of the men who have fished for it. It is a tale of pioneers, innovators, privilege and poverty, and angling at its best and worst extremes - not to mention at least two court cases, one murder and a habitual flasher.  It includes chapters on barbel tackle; the Victorian heyday on the Thames; the men of the Trent and of the Severn, Wessex and Yorkshire; stories of monsters and controversies; an overview of modern day barbel fishing; recommendations for a barbel library . . . and much more.

'Jon Berry's story offers drama, scandal and extraordinary insights into barbel fishing history.' - Angler's Mail

'A comprehensive account of the history of barbel fishing.' - Angling Times

'Anyone interested in . . . the history and evolution of barbel fishing will find this book an essential part of his or her fishing library.' - Barbel Fisher