Bryan Archer
Bryan Archer has lived most of his life local to Blagdon Lake, and has been fishing for over 40 years. The Meditative Fisherman is his first book, which he began writing at the respectable age of 72. He is a father and grandfather, and currently lives in Wales.
The Meditative Fisherman
By Bryan Archer; Illustrated by Emma O’Connor-Bray
Immerse yourself in the waters of the world according to Bryan Archer, fisherman, autodidact and philosopher. This serene memoir is a love letter to the rivers he has fished and the people he has fished them with, the flies he has used and the people who came before him.
Written with great affection and skill, this book visits some of the world’s most spectacular fishing venues, exploring their history, their fish and their flies, and takes us into the lives and works of the great thinkers, writers and friends that have accompanied the meditative fisherman on his journey round the globe.
Date published: 8 June 2022
RRP: £10.99
ISBN: 978-1739724313
Paperback: 174 pages
15.24cm x 1.04cm x 22.86cm
BIC codes: WSXF; BM; HPX
A fantastic book
A fantastic book, it flows beautifully and immerses the reader in the clear waters of fishing in beautiful locations, meditation and musings on rivers and the life that runs through all of us. Some incredible research into the history of fly fishing and he sheds light on some intriguing historical figures (such as the fishing nun) and also on various spiritual approaches open to human beings.
Amongst the best of reads
Over the years I have read many a book on fishing, from the original Mr. Crabtree to the latest monthly articles on catching in magazines. I have to say this is amongst the best of reads. It covers flies and places both here and abroad in wide detail alongside philosophising his activities through outside memories. I would strongly recommend reading to enthuse your own methods and histories.
Kept my interest to the very end
I did not think that I would enjoy this book, as much as I did! The book was very well written, not just about fishing, but travels and cultures, and people he met along the way. It kept my interest to the very end.
He enjoyed it so much
I bought this for my dad as he is an avid fly fisherman. He asked me to post a review because he enjoyed it so much. Probably the most successful present I’ve ever bought the old man.
I was charmed and instructed
In equal measure I was charmed and instructed by this book as it flitted from great days out with Buzzers, Coch Y Bonddu and the Grey Wulff to Meditation, Philosophy and Neuroscience. I think there is something for everyone here although I should declare a special interest, as I am a fly fisherman who is fascinated by the workings of the subconscious. This is a genuine meditative travelogue drawn from many years of casting into the unknown to see what lies beneath the surface. I loved reading it.
Some great stories
This book reflects on life as well as fishing and philosophies relating to both. It has some great stories of fishing and also experiences of certain places and baits used and wonderfully illustrated in all chapters.
Beautifully written
A warm account of a physical quest for the perfect fish, alongside a spiritual journey. The book is beautifully written and illustrated and I think would appeal to anyone with an interest in travel, fishing and who has wondered about their place in the world. I will definitely be buying it for my Fishing friends!
Different and I enjoyed it
My husband bought this book— he has always loved fishing in all forms— I picked up the book expecting to be just tactics and wouldn’t be of interest to me but have to admit it was different and I enjoyed it.