Lee Wulff

Rating:
Summary: A missed opportunity
Review: Jack Samson had the knowledge, experience, and access to the materials needed to write a solid biography of Lee Wulff. Wulff's achievements (originated fly patterns most anglers carry, and the vest in which we carry them; a leader in catch-and-release angling and salmon conservation; a fine writer) certainly merit the attention of a biographer. Samson's book has not filled this gap.

The best parts of this book are the abundant quotations from Wulff's prolific writings and occasional useful contextualization provided by Samson. The narrative itself offers neither insight into Wulff's character, nor compelling reading. There are enough anecdotes to incite interest, but too little follow-through on many interesting topics.

There are also nice photographs, some of which are Samson's.

With the journalistic style Samson employs, Samson demonstrates that Wulff speaks clearly for himself on issues of interest and importance to anglers. Further, Samson demonstrates that he knows a good bit about Wulff's life and writing. He could have created a useful anthology to introduce readers to one of the most original sports fishing authors of the twentieth century. Such an anthology might still be welcome.

This book provokes interest that it cannot satisfy. Fortunately, Wulff's own books are still available.

Rating:
Summary: A missed opportunity
Review: Jack Samson had the knowledge, experience, and access to the materials needed to write a solid biography of Lee Wulff. Wulff's achievements (originated fly patterns most anglers carry, and the vest in which we carry them; a leader in catch-and-release angling and salmon conservation; a fine writer) certainly merit the attention of a biographer. Samson's book has not filled this gap.

The best parts of this book are the abundant quotations from Wulff's prolific writings and occasional useful contextualization provided by Samson. The narrative itself offers neither insight into Wulff's character, nor compelling reading. There are enough anecdotes to incite interest, but too little follow-through on many interesting topics.

There are also nice photographs, some of which are Samson's.

With the journalistic style Samson employs, Samson demonstrates that Wulff speaks clearly for himself on issues of interest and importance to anglers. Further, Samson demonstrates that he knows a good bit about Wulff's life and writing. He could have created a useful anthology to introduce readers to one of the most original sports fishing authors of the twentieth century. Such an anthology might still be welcome.

This book provokes interest that it cannot satisfy. Fortunately, Wulff's own books are still available.

Rating:
Summary: Lee Wulff Collection
Review: This is not a thorough biography on Lee, however, any serious collector on the life of the greatest angler and most innovative fly tier that blessed our presence in the last century is s must-have.