What is it about the unknown? What is it that makes somebody get on a plane and fly half way around world with out any real idea of where they might end up – simply letting an adventure take its own course?
I don’t know the answer. What I do know is that on finishing Tony’s remarkable new book I felt like calling the estate agent, putting the house on the market, clearing out the joint bank account and dusting off my rods on the way to the airport to buy a one-way ticket to the land of dream fishing!
For most, life’s never that simple, yet that does not mean we wouldn’t like to do it. Maybe that’s why I am so inspired by those who do. I’ve been a big fan of Tony’s work for many years and have found his much published writings and photography a breath of fresh air amongst the tedium of everyday life.
Those who follow the forums will know that Tony had a bit of a headache getting the new book published; I was therefore ecstatic when he emailed me to say that his work would be published by Westerlaan. I say ecstatic because I knew what would follow; a piece of work that would blow me away – awe inspiring fishing adventures from around the world with truly stunning images that allow you to almost be there as each part of the story unfolds.
I was not disappointed. 40lb carp and close encounters with Leopards in Africa, 30lb barbel from freezing Spanish waters, 40lb commons from Canada, 700lb Great white Sturgeon from the Columbia River. The list of achievements is endless as each chapter follows a new quest in a different part of the world.
It’s not all plain sailing. Tony details some of the lows in addition to the incredible highs, but the failures let you know that he’s just another angler trying to overcome the obstacles he’s faced with in order to achieve a personal goal. That said, falling off mountains and getting shot are perhaps problems a little more extreme than you or I are used to facing on our local waters!
The book is a spectacular piece of work, and I don’t use the words lightly. Since I received a copy a few weeks ago I’ve shown it to many anglers who have also been blown away. I took it along to a fishing meeting a few nights ago and passed it to a friend to flick through – two hours later the meeting had finished and he’d not looked up once!
The images that accompany the writing put this publication into a league of its own. I have never seen so many breathtaking shots of fish and fishing. In addition there are countless images of the surrounding landscapes and wildlife • all are amazing. There just aren’t enough superlatives to go around!
The book is predominantly about carp but in all honesty, it’s as much about the adventure as it is about the species and no matter what your quarry, the book will prove a fascinating read.
At the back there’s also a contact list, great for those who feel the need to go and do some adventuring of their own. You can get details for fishing holidays in France, Spain, USA and Canada, Thailand, South Africa – even Kazakhstan!
In addition to standard hardback, you can also purchase a special limited edition of the book which is sure to become a collector’s item in the future.
The only other thing I can say about the book is ‘buy it’ • you will not be disappointed. No matter what type of fishing you do, or how much you are into the sport, I promise you will be captivated by this outstanding piece of work.
Books cost: £25.00 for hardback or £70.00 for Special Limited edition, plus £5.25 P&P within UK. Globetrotter’s Quest can be purchased online at: http://www.globetrotterworld.co.uk
For payments via bank transfers, visit: http://www.westerlaan-publisher.com
For further book queries, or to pay by cheque, Tel: 07801287555
Email: globetrotterworld@hotmail.com
Julian Grattidge
