Book excerpt: The trout fly is both a tool for catching fish and an object of exquisite beauty. Newly reissued in a handsome hardcover edition, The Art of the Trout Fl captures the blending of art and function in these amazing constructions of fur, feather, fiber, and thread. Forty-three international masters of flytying share the secrets of their craft in wise and witty personal essays, each accompanied by a gorgeously rendered photograph of their most distinctive creations, as well as a list of the materials used to bring the flies to life. Also included is an illuminating introduction discussing the contributions of the flytyers to fly design, and exploring why tyers the world over are so fascinated by the craft. A justly celebrated classic, The Art of the Trout Fly is an excellent introduction to flytying for the novice and a valuable source of information and inspiration for the experienced fly-fisher.