Angling & Miscellaneous Books from the Library of Arnold ‘Jake’ Johnson

Arnold ‘Jake’ Johnson was quite careful with his taste in books, and he built a personal library of immense proportions devoted to his love of fishing. In Doyle’s upcoming online auction, this significant collection will finally pass over the auction block. Over 300 books, pamphlets, and photo albums follow the fishing theme, from the most obscure leaflets to the rarest first editions. 

The most significant lot is an extremely rare copy of Walton and Cotton’s The Complete Angler, or the Contemplative Man’s Recreation. A first edition, this surviving book is one of only 100 that were ever printed. And one of even fewer that survived a major fire at the original bindery. Several featured photo albums capture historical and natural scenes, documenting the long and meditative history of the sport. 

While the focus of this auction is on angling and fishing in general, the diversity of its lots and historical implications will appeal to a broad variety of collectors. Estimates range from $10 to $1,200, making this sale accessible to every library. To explore this auction’s gilded bindings, meticulous notes, and genuine fly samples, view the catalog and register to bid on Doyle