This was an unexpected treasure. One of my wife’s relations was cleaning out some books belonging to her deceased husband, spotted the title, knew I was a fishing kind of guy, and sent it along. I first heard of The Compleat Angler when I read Joe Brooks’ classic Trout Fishing in the mid-1970s. I don’t know that I’m going to read it cover-to-cover, but I will be browsing. Thanks, Santa!
currentseams.com 
I’ve had copies of this in my hand a bunch of different times at the local used book store but always end up putting it back for one reason or another. Some day I plan to add it to my collection if for no other reason than historical reference.
I was so pleased to learn that you’re a fellow bookworm. My feeling here is hope that there’s a tactic or experience or fly that will resonate and prove worthy many centuries later. I’ll keep everyone posted.
I have the link to this book in my “Fishing Library” which points to a digital copy on the website archive.org. It’s quite a find for you to come across such an amazing book like this in hardcopy!
Well, yay me and and yay to Auntie Kate! 🙂