Published by Bountyhunter Publications (April 1999). Pages 318
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Terry Hearn is arguably the most famous carp angler in the country, and his record marks him out as possibly the best. The book, amazingly, was written entirely by hand, and is a personal biography of the man as he grows from a youngster into a prolific and highly successful angler.
The book is not a "how to" work, but through the words there are any number of tips and opportunities to learn from a master. These are accompanied by some superb pictures of the increasingly large carp he has placed on the bank. There are also nine guest chapters from various other carp anglers who offer further tales of giant captures; although, it must be said, some passages bear only a passing resemblance to the English language.
You can take a great deal from this book.
Having said that, there is something deeply disturbing about it. The man has, without doubt, gone down in my estimation. By his own admission, he has set snares for squirrels, describes the beautiful birds that abound on our lakes as "filthy feathered" or "horrible" and "obnoxious", and would seem to have paid for many of his outings courtesy of tax-payer benefits. He has also fished illegally, tried to crush rabbits beneath the wheels of his car, and to top things off, seems jolly proud of it all. Personally, I don't find anything admirable or attractive in these views and behaviours. Quite the opposite in fact.
One has to admire his dedication to his hobby and the immense amount of work he puts in pursuing his quarry. It would seem that Mr Hearn's philosophy is flawed, as he is almost obsessively focussed on catching carp to the exclusion of all else. He is even disdainful of other species, including double figure Bream - they are treated as irritations. There is nothing in the book about the beauty of his surroundings, and the wonders of the venues and lakes he fishes. Ancient trees are there for climbing only; the glory of misty lilly pads are merely things to cast to; and the great silence of a lake at night is nothing more than a bore to him.
On top of this, the writing is very, very poor, and at times verges on the illiterate. Mr Hearn maybe a great angler, but he can barely write at all.
I did learn from this book, but was left saddened and feeling that he has missed the point of fishing entire.
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Monday 16 February 2009
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I read this book and really enjoyed it. OK, the bits about the squirrels and rabbits are not nice but just because he goes purely to catch big fish rather than to "just be there" does not disturb me at all. I found the book a fascinating insight into the commitment (to the point of obsession) that was required to catch big carp at the time. Like the time he was forced off the lake after several months non-stop fishing because it froze over. Did he go home; No!, he went to the River Thames instead! Personally, I found the book a very readable and honest account of his early fishing endeavors. He didn't set out to write a book of prose and shouldn't be judged for this.
ReplyDeleteI think we can all agree that Mr Hearn is a superb fisherman endowed with monumental staying power and dedication.
ReplyDeleteHowever, when I review a book, any book, I always remember that it is has at least two levels; and occasionally more, as in the case of East of Eden by John Steinbeck.
These two levels may be thought of as a train, and the track it runs on. The track represents the words, and the train conveys the message. If the carriages are empty, then it will be of limited interest. However, if the track is badly put together, you are in for a bumpy ride.
Any competent review must comment on both of these levels. It is his duty so to do.
I complained about r Hearn's treatment of animals, and my lowered opinion of him as a man, stands. I also commented on his masterly angling skills and dedication.
So I have dealt with the train, but the track leaves a lot to be desired.
I can say with absolute conviction, that this is a very poorly written book; and some of the guest chapters are almost unintelligible.
I did say that people can learn from and be inspired by the book, but I feel it only reasonable to also make them aware of its severe limitations as a literary work.