Compleat Angler Books

THREE NEW
"COMPLEAT ANGLER" BOOKS

Click on covers for more details & pre-ordering (publication date: June 2026).
The Compleat Angler fly-fishing novel by Colin M Jarman 2026
The Compleat Angler Part One fishing the River Lea by Izaak Walton 1653
The Compleat Angler Part Two Fly-fishing the River Dove by Charles Cotton 1676

A FISHING TRILOGY ... 350 YEARS IN THE MAKING

The 17th Century classic fishing manuals reimagined for today's Angler
As well as publishing an original Part Three novel (set in May 2000) that revisits the originals' fishing lesson storyline, Colin has also edited & written much more readable & relateable versions of
Walton's & Cotton's iconic fishing manuals from the mid-1600s.
The-Compleat-Angler-Parts-one-two-three-book-novel-tablet-phone-Box-Set-Walton-Cotton-Colin-M-Jarman

THE COMPLEAT ANGLER TRILOGY

All three Compleat Angler books WILL BE available [from June 2026]
as a Boxed Set in a bespoke protective slipcase.
Pre-Order TCA Trilogy
(at a discount) 

Celebrating the 350th Anniversary of Walton's & Cotton's "The Compleat Angler" (1676)

Click here to register your interest in our Compleat Angler Trilogy series,
ahead of the June 2026 publication date.

THE COMPLEAT ANGLER AUTHORS
Walton (left), Cotton (right) & Jarman (centre)
Portraits of the three Compleat Angler authors: Izaak Walton, Charles Cotton & Colin M Jarman
More details of The Compleat Angler Trilogy set
Compleat Angler Part One angling book cover Izaak Walton 1653 editor Colin M Jarman 2026 fly fishing manual

THE COMPLEAT ANGLER - PART ONE
Fishing the River Lea
The Contemplative Man's Recreation
by Izaak Walton (1653)
Part One cover featuring the two main characters in the book: Piscator (left) and Venator (right).
Reimagined by Colin M Jarman (2026)
Pre-Order TCA Pt 1

The Compleat Angler - Part One:
Bait-Fishing on the River Lea
by Izaak Walton (1653)
Reimagined by Colin M Jarman (2026)

An inspired reimagination of Izaak Walton's classic 1653 fishing manual edited to accentuate the angling content and action ... without all the extraneous non-fishing distractions (ie. the boring bits).

This ground-breaking 2026 Angler's edition is stocked full of copious notes and comments from a myriad of legendary angling writers from across the intervening centuries.

A unique feature in this edition is the editor's in-depth logistical overview of Walton's epic four-day fishing lesson cum adventure along the River Lea - north of London.


Size: 9 x 6 ins
Pages: 250
Fully Illustrated
ISBNs: 
Pbk: 9781907338380
Hbk: 9781907338427
Prices: TBD

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Compleat Angler Part Two angling book cover Charles Cotton 1676 editor Colin M Jarman 2026 fly fishing manual

THE COMPLEAT ANGLER - PART TWO
Fly-fishing the River Dove
Instructions for Fishing Clear Streams
by Charles Cotton (1676)
Part Two cover featuring the two main characters in the book: Viator (left) and Piscator Junior (right).
Reimagined by Colin M Jarman (2026)
Pre-Order TCA Pt 2

The Compleat Angler - Part Two:
Fly-Fishing on the River Dove
by Charles Cotton (1676)
Reimagined by Colin M Jarman (2026)

A companion book to Jarman's remarkable reimagining of Walton's Part One, this edition sees an equally erudite editorial overhaul of Charles Cotton's critically-acclaimed Part Two fly-fishing manual.

Where Walton's Part One focused on coarse fishing, Cotton's fly-fishing masterpiece still contains much useful advice that still resonates with today's fly-angling aficionados. 

Set on the historic River Dove that flows through Cotton's Staffordshire estate, it also follows a fishing lesson over three days set alongside Cotton's iconic Fishing House.


Size: 9 x 6 ins
Pages: 276
Fully Illustrated
ISBNs: 
Pbk: 9781907338397
Hbk: 9781907338434
Prices: TBD

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Compleat Angler Part Three novel angling book cover Walton Cotton 1676 editor Colin M Jarman 2026 fly fishing manual

THE COMPLEAT ANGLER - PART THREE
Fly-Fishing the River Frome
The Quest for the Holy Grayling
A novel by Colin M Jarman (2026)
Part Three cover featuring the two characters in the novel: Francis Falconer (left) and Roderick Hunter (right)
set in May 2000.
Pre-Order TCA Novel

The Compleat Angler - Part Three:
Fly-Fishing on the River Frome
by Colin M Jarman
(2026)

Inspired by the original two Compleat Angler books, Colin M Jarman's Part Three is an uproariously updated fictional interpretation and recasting of those 17th century classic fishing manuals for the modern day.

TCA3 is a comic novel that casually casts into the murky waters of literary history and reels in startling new truths and shocking twists about The Compleat Angler and its celebrated co-authors & legendary fishing buddies: Izaak Walton & Charles Cotton.

The story follows a fly-fishing lesson on the banks of the River Frome chalkstream in Dorset.


Size: 9 x 6 ins
Pages: 300

ISBNs: 
Pbk: 9781907338403
Hbk: 9781907338441
Prices: TBD

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HOW DO THE NEW VERSIONS IMPROVE ON THE ORIGINALS?

Below are some examples comparing like for like pages from the original Compleat Angler books to Colin's updated, heavily illustrated / reimagined versions: 

Part One - Chapter Four: Nature of the Trout
The 1964 version [left] is 100% unboken text single page; the revised covers two pages [right] with illustrations, explanatory notes, quotes, headings, sub-titles, locations, timelines, expanded text & additional dialogue. This more open and informative format is typical of both 2026 revisions.
The-Compleat-Angler-Trout-1653-Izaak-Walton
The-Compleat-Angler-Part-One-Trout-2026-Colin-M-Jarman
The-Compleat-Angler-Part-One-Trout-2026-Colin-M-Jarman

Part Two - Chapter Five: On Fly-Fishing
As above this 1964 version is 100% unboken text single page [left]; the revised 2026 edition covers two pages [right] with all the upgrades and additional content as above. 
These revisions are much clearer, more readable & more informative than former versions.
The-Compleat-Angler-Part-2-Of-Fly-fishing-1676-Charles Cotton
The-Compleat-Angler-Part-2-Of-Fly-fishing-2026-Colin M Jarman
The-Compleat-Angler-Part-2-Of-Fly-fishing-2026-Colin-M-Jarman

BACKGROUND TO THE COMPLEAT ANGLER TRILOGY

The following pages introduce the two original books, the co-authors,  the novel (set in May 2000), the rivers featured in the three books  ... as well as revealing background research, video & photos behind the rewrites and TCA3 novel.

Click on the header to visit that page
PARTS ONE & TWO (1653-76)

A detailed look at the original Compleat Angler books and their authors - Izaak Walton & Charles Cotton.
~~~~~

PART THREE (2026)

Outline of this contemporary continuation Compleat Angler novel set on the River Frome in Dorset, in 2000.
~~~~~

RIVER FROME

Overview of this Southern chalkstream - the main setting for TCA3.
~~~~~

RIVER DOVE

Photos and videos of Colin's trips to the historic limestone stream following in the footsteps of Walton & Cotton.
~~~~~

CHARLES COTTON'S FISHING HOUSE

History and photos of Charles Cotton's mythical Fishing Temple on the River Dove. 

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COMPLEAT ANGLER & CONSERVATION

How Walton & Cotton were at the forefront of the river conservation and fish management back in the 17th century and how they have positively influenced today's conservation groups such as the Izaak Walton League of America and the Wild Trout Trust in the UK, and many more uuch organizations. .

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COLIN M JARMAN - AUTHOR

Colin's literary, media and angling background from his time as CEO of the Budweiser American Football league to playing Statman on live TV to being a multi-published author with over 35 titles to his name. 

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COMPLEAT ANGLER FORUMS

Join the online discussion on all things Compleat Angler and Fly-Fishing.
~~~~~

COMPLEAT ANGLER PODCAST

"WHAT WOULD IZAAK DO?"
An irreverent nostalgia trip traversing the world of fishing through the eyes of Izaak Walton (if he were alive today).
COMING SOON !

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CONTACT

For any follow up questions or enquiries
~~~~~
Izaak Walton reading a book while fishing by a river.
“The Compleat Angler is about how to dream, and that is why we love it … This book has lasted so long because fishing has a mystery at its heart.”

Howell Raines,
Intro to 'The Compleat Angler'  (1997 edition)

EDITORIAL / READER REVIEWS

 Actual author / media reviews received relating to Colin M Jarman's
"COMPLEAT ANGLER" Novel: 

Contemporary storyline mirrors the originals’ 17th century mentor-pupil dialogues with added escalating literary puzzles and fishing challenges. 

Clear arcs build to emotional payoff, exciting parody-mystery format. 

Arc logic shines - "Angler" Quest mysteries propel plot; pacing accelerates via escalating reveals and outrageous fishing set-pieces.

Modern "Part Three" follow up to the 700-edition 17th century classic; broad commercial appeal via angling niche + literary intrigue; has series potential.

Emotional mentor-rival bromance; positions as witty homage/conservation plea; appeals to fly-fishers + history buffs.
Suggested Tagline: "350 years later, the real story hooks."

FOR MORE NEWS ABOUT 

The Compleat Angler Trilogy

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Also, please use this contact form to register your interest in purchasing copies of the Colin's novel and his reimagined Parts 1& 2 when published in May/June 2026. 
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