Overall a very good read which traces the lives of a select group of craftsman as they pursue their white whale in the form of a uniquely American art form. This book is for anyone interested in what drives an artist to do what they love (or in one case, tolerate) in spite of personal and financial hardship.

Other reviews of this book have brought up the other's political remarks in the book. There are a few included which are very out of place and not at all in keeping with the spirit More...

I have always had a fondness for the split cane fly rod. It was that sort of rod with which I began my career in angling. I must admit it was my father’s idea to put a bamboo rod in the hands of a ten-year-old. Such a thing was not generally regarded as a good practice by the wise. However, he had fished a greased silk line on bamboo since his father had placed a cane rod in his youthful hand in the early part of the twentieth century. I suppose he felt that it was now time for me to learn the More...

Nicely written and an interesting historical look at the demise of American craftsmanship as seen through the lens of America's Bamboo Fly Rod builders.

My personal take is that he overplays Edwards' influence somewhat, yet that's a forgivable offense given the Edwards rod brand is at the center of story.

A must-read for anyone interested in the history of bamboo fly rods, Casting a Spell is a personable and interesting peek at American craftsmanship -- and it's fall at th More...