Title
Casting a Spell: The Bamboo Fly Rod and the American Pursuit of Perfection,Used
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Thirtyfive million Americansone in eightlike to go fishing. Fly fishers have always considered themselves the aristocracy of the sport, and a small number of those devotees, a few thousand at most, insist upon using one device in the pursuit of their obsession: a handcrafted splitbamboo fly rod. Meeting this demand for perfection are the inheritors of a splendid art, one that reveres tradition while flouting obvious economic sense and reaches back through time to touch the hands of such figures as Theodore Roosevelt and Henry David Thoreau.In Casting a Spell, George Black introduces readers to rapt artisans and the ultimate talismans of their uncompromising fascination: handmade bamboo fly rods. But this narrative is more than a story of obscure objects of desire. It opens a new vista onto a century and a half of modern American cultural history. With bold strokes and deft touches, Black explains how the ingenuity of craftsmen created a singular implement of leisureand how geopolitics, economics, technology, and outrageous twists of fortune have all come to focus on the exquisitely crafted bamboo rod. We discover that the pastime of flyfishing intersects with a mindboggling variety of cultural trends, including conspicuous consumption, environmentalism, industrialization, and even cold war diplomacy.Black takes us around the world, from the hidden trout streams of western Maine to a remote valley in Guangdong Province, China, where grows the singular species of bamboo known as tea stickthe very stuff of a superior fly rod. He introduces us to the men who created the tools and techniques for crafting exceptional rods and those who continue to carry the torch in the pursuit of the sublime. Never far from the surface are such overarching themes as the tension between mass production and individual excellence, and the evolving ways American society has defined, experienced, and expressed its relationship to the land.Flyfishing may seem a rarefied pursuit, and making fly rods might be a quixotic occupation, but this rich, fascinating narrative exposes the soul of an authentic part of America, and the great significance of little things. George Blacks latest expedition into a hidden corner of our culture is an utterly enchanting, illuminating, and enlightening experience.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Casting a Spell'? A: 'Casting a Spell' explores the intricate relationship between fly fishing, handcrafted bamboo fly rods, and American cultural history, highlighting themes of tradition, craftsmanship, and environmentalism.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'Casting a Spell' is George Black, who delves into the art of making bamboo fly rods and its significance in American culture.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: 'Casting a Spell' is published in hardcover binding, providing durability and a classic presentation.
- Q: What condition is this used book in? A: This is a used book listed in 'Good Condition', indicating that it may show some signs of wear but is still fully functional.
- Q: How many pages does 'Casting a Spell' contain? A: 'Casting a Spell' has a total of 272 pages, offering a comprehensive narrative on the subject.
- Q: When was 'Casting a Spell' first published? A: 'Casting a Spell' was first published on August 8, 2006.
- Q: What are some key features of this book? A: Key features of 'Casting a Spell' include insights into the craftsmanship of bamboo fly rods, historical perspectives on fly fishing, and discussions on cultural trends affecting the sport.
- Q: Is this book suitable for someone new to fly fishing? A: 'Casting a Spell' provides a deep cultural and historical context, making it suitable for both seasoned fly fishers and those new to the sport.
- Q: What topics does the book cover aside from rod making? A: Aside from rod making, the book covers cultural trends like conspicuous consumption, environmentalism, and the evolution of American leisure activities.
- Q: Can this book be used as a reference for fly fishing techniques? A: 'Casting a Spell' primarily focuses on the narrative and cultural aspects of fly fishing rather than specific techniques, so it may not serve as a practical reference guide.