TROUT MADNESS

The author of The Anatomy of Murder considers more fully the hobby which had its emphasis in that novel and calls up visions of trout fishing and the art and ritual of fly fishing along the waters and ponds of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. From the opening day (that end of April congenial custom) to the last one of the season are pieces on his experiences, - sometimes frustrating, sometimes otherwise, on his companions, on township politicians and trials, on encounters over reel and creel, and especially on that "sly, secretive...subtlest and wariest of creatures.." the trout itself and the pleasure — and agony — it afforded. There are entries from fishing diaries; there's small talk on a number of related subjects, there are other notes of the outdoors — and there is always a "quietly mad" response to a most favorite sport. And there are two chapters of fun — one about his unexpected and idiosyncratic Father, the other detailing the life history of his fish car, Buckshot, a 1928 Ford. Expert and novice of this brotherhood will strike for this.