[ANGLING]. SMITH, George, attributed to?. The Gentleman Angler. Containing short, plain and early instructions, whereby the most ignorant beginner may, in a little time, become a perfect artist in angling? To which is added, The Angler?s New Song: The Laws of Angling, and the Form of a License. London: for A. Bettesworth, 1726. 12mo (159 x 95 mm). (Lacking front blank, some marginal browning to half?title and title?page, few leaves dampstained). Half?title, wood engraved head?pieces and initials; 4pp. publisher?s ads at end. Full contemporary sheep (chipped at extreme ends with losses, some splitting along joints). FIRST EDITION of one of the earliest angling manuals that quickly became a standard handbook of the eighteenth century. The book not only supplied directions for flytying, descriptions of angling techniques for different fish, and a glossary (with some very curious entries) but contained a recipe section for cooking fish in the ?best and most fashionable manner? and the first appearance of the ?Angler?s Song?. Westwood & Satchell, pp. 104?105.