Death, Taxes, and Leaky Waders - (John Gierach's Fly-Fishing Library) by John Gierach (Paperback)

About the Book

[This book] collects forty of John Gierach's finest essays on fishing from six of his books. Like all his writing, these essays are seasoned by a keen sense of observation and a deep knowledge and love of fishing lore, leavened by a wonderfully wry sense of humor. Gierach often begins with an observation that soon leads to something below the surface, which he finds and successfully lands. As Gierach says, writing is a lot like fishing.

Book Synopsis

Brilliant, witty, perceptive essays about fly-fishing, the natural world, and life in general by the acknowledged master of fishing writers.

Death, Taxes, and Leaky Waders collects forty of John Gierach's finest essays on fishing from six of his books. Like all his writing, these essays are seasoned by a keen sense of observation and a deep knowledge and love of fishing lore, leavened by a wonderfully wry sense of humor. Gierach often begins with an observation that soon leads to something below the surface, which he finds and successfully lands. As Gierach says, writing is a lot like fishing.

This is the first anthology of John Gierach's work, a collection that is sure to delight both die-hard fans and new readers alike. To enter Gierach's world is to experience the daily wonder, challenge, and occasional absurdity of the fishing life--from such rituals as the preparation of camp coffee (for best results, serve in a tin cup) to the random, revelatory surprises, such as the flashing beauty of a grayling leaping out of the water. Whether he's catching fish or musing on the ones that got away, Gierach is always entertaining and enlightening, writing with his own inimitable blend of grace and style, passion and wit.

Review Quotes

Publishers Weekly (starred) Perhaps the most original, entertaining, and keen outdoors writer working today...A finer collection of the author's work could scarcely be found.

Richmond Times-Dispatch He is as sad, irreverent, and wise as they come.

Sports Illustrated If Mark Twain were alive and a modern day fly fisherman, he still would be hard put to top John Gierach in the one liner department.

Steve Raymond The Seattle Times The irreverent, ironic style of outdoors writer John Gierach has made him one of the most popular contemporary writers on fly fishing....wry, witty, and entertaining.

About the Author

John Gierach was the author of more than twenty books about fly-fishing. His writing appeared in Field & Stream, Gray's Sporting Journal, and Fly Rod & Reel. He wrote a column for Trout magazine and the monthly Redstone Review. Gierach passed away in 2024.