[VFB] Basic Book on Tying for Library

[Gary and Diane Smith]

Just for the halibut, I counted the tying books in my library of  
fishing and tying books.  The total number of books on tying came to 
89.  I did not realize  I had that many.  The most surprising  thing is 
no one has named a most prolific writer of tying books, and one of the 
better ones . His  instructions are clear, easy to follow and always 
well illustrated. Dick Talleur. 

John Van Vliet's  THE ART OF FLY TYING  is a very good book.  Skip 
Moorse , His books tend to be on tying a  type of fly. Dry,wet, bass 
flies etc. Also I would question how well spiral bound books will hold 
up in a public library setting. THE FLY TIER'S BENCHSIDE REFERENCE is a 
very good book if you are looking for  information on how to do 
something specific The authors assume you have a basic grasp of tying, 
plus its cost alone would keep it from being recommended as a loaner 
book for most libraries.   Helen Shaw's book FLY TYING is a bit dated, 
some basic information not covered well and the photography is lacking 
by today's standards. I will admit thousands did learn to tie from her 
book, and more will.

The best beginners book on the market today is TALLEUR'S BASIC FLY TYING 
by dick Talleur followed by  John Van Vliets book THE ART OF FLY TYING.

The cost of both books is reasonable, but if the library is only buying 
one,  then the Talleur book is the better buy and also has the advantage 
of lying flat when opened.

Gary Smith
"Things that upset a terrier may pass virtually unnoticed by a Great 
Dane." - Smiley Blanton