Cornelia Thurza Crosby (1854-1946) stood six feet tall, was the first woman to legally shoot a caribou in Maine, held the first Maine Guide license issued, caught 200 trout in one day (she was an early advocate of catch-and-release), did not believe women should have the vote, was friends with Annie Oakley, and worked tirelessly to promote the sporting life in Maine. Over a hundred turn-of-the-century photographs create a fascinating picture of the Maine woods and one of Maine's most unusual women.

Aldo Leopold was known to advocate a love of sport as a catalyst for conservation, and his own preference was the sport of fly fishing. But fly fishing is not just a religious or spiritual endeavour. It is also a sport essential to the conservation movement. No fly fisherman wishes to wade into rivers full of stormwater, to cast for invasive Asian carp. Freshwater anglers have been foundational to the preservation and management of freshwater fisheries and waters for centuries. To Leopold s land ethic, fly fishing adds an aquatic vitality. Surveys of fly fishing culture reveal that the sport ranks among the highest for experiences of nature and understanding of ecology. So, it s not surprising that fly fishing, and organizations like Trout Unlimited, has influenced fisheries management, conservation, and restoration in coldwater systems across the world. Backcasts reels these important topics in by exploring the intersection of conservation and fly fishing, in its history, present, and potential future."

This long-awaited book is both a history of the woman and the region, as well as a guide to the Stevens method. It includes color plates of original patterns, some only recently discovered, along with a biography illustrated with archival photos.

The only comprehensive study of Portland s history, culture, and people."

Landmark book by expert caster, teacher, and role model Now in paperback with new preface The celebrated Joan Wulff was one of the first and few women to earn a reputation as a noteworthy fly fisher. She first published this immensely helpful book for women who are learning the sport or those wanting to improve, and, because of its solid approach, it has found an audience with all who enjoy angling with a fly. “To get the most out of this sport,” says Joan, “you must be independent: capable of choosing your tackle, tying on leader tippets and flies, reading water, wading safely, and playing fish with skill.” The book teaches all these things and the myriad techniques that have worked for Joan in her lifetime of practicing and perfecting the sport.

The significant contribution of fisherwomen in the 19th century is displayed in 139 articles written by women from 1876 to 1900 published in this volume of the Sports She Wrote series. The book is divided into three parts (130,000 words): Sara McBride, renowned for her knowledge of the attraction between fish and insects, is prominently featured, including her seminal work on the metaphysics of fly-fishing, published in Forest and Stream magazine in 1876. McBride's artistic mastery and business acumen in the fly-tying industry are highlighted, underscoring women's proficiency in this artistic pursuit. Following McBride's articles, 25 women authors, including Mary Orvis Marbury, chronicle their fishing adventures, offering insights into angling for trout, bass, salmon, muskies, and more, in such diverse locales as Norway, Syria, California, Florida and Iowa. The latter half of the book pays homage to Cornelia T. Crosby, aka "Fly Rod" Crosby, Maine's esteemed fisherwoman, guide and promoter of the great outdoors. Divided into two parts, her articles span from 1884 to 1900, showcasing her adventurous spirit and profound impact on fishing, hunting, and conservation efforts in the State of Maine. Her column "Fly Rod's Notebook" published in The Phillips Phonograph newspaper, cement Crosby's legacy as a trailblazing outdoorswoman and promoter of field sports and are an enduring testament to her indomitable spirit. Sports She Wrote is a 31-volume time-capsule of primary documents written by more than 500 women in the 19th century.

A provocative new reading of the great American avant-garde arist Marsden Hartley's late work.