Shelton the scientist is evident throughout the book, diligently and handily providing the reader with the proper scientific binomials of all the species mentioned (handy, for as he notes himself, the range of common names used for fish can be more than a little confusing). This is not to say the book is filled with scientific language; it is a very accessible read, his explanations of the subjects dealt with are simple and to the point and this means each theme can nestle into the ongoing narrative in an organic way. This narrative is underpinned throughout by a conspicuous love for the wild. Shelton the naturalist, Shelton the academic and Shelton the wildfowler all grow from this thread and are weaved around it in such a way that no one subject is dwelt on any longer than necessary to show fully why it is worth us reading about, which makes the turn of each page a joy. The way these threads interact also gives us repeated glimpses into his childhood. Like many an enthusiast for the natural world, Shelton's fascination with it is born of childhood experiences and his vivid recollections of the thoughts and feelings of a young boy pulling mysterious, gleaming creatures from the Chess makes crystal just how this happens. Wildfowling is perhaps a controversial hobby, but in my mind it is by far one of the most acceptable of the 'country sports' there is and I certainly do not begrudge Shelton the chapters he dedicates to it and it's equipment. Shelton writes about wildfowling as an activity through which one gains a deeper appreciation for ones quarry and it's habitat. His respect for the birds is never in question. Besides, a wildfowl hunt is something few of us will experience and his writing lets the reader go someway to being in a few of these moments.
The people and places encountered by Shelton through his life are varied, interesting and brought to life just as well as his childhood experiences. He is not afraid to provide history or background for either and though this may be the one place that the book is in danger of bogging down, it is never for more than a few sentences. He then bounds on with whatever tale he was telling, the reader better for having the benefit of context. As may be expected for a fisheries scientist, Shelton tells of encounters with a number of fishermen and other maritime folk. A real treat for those who enjoy such tales of the sea and aren't afraid of some of the more 'fruity' language often used by the former crowd in particular! There are a few occasions in the book where Shelton mentions people, places or even creatures he is not so keen on. He always uses an appropriate degree of tact and weaves in a suitable level of homour for many of these occasions, so a little bit of complaint is never dull or difficult to get through. Shelton is really at his best though, when writing about things he loves - a well respected senior academic, the feeling of a ten bore letting loose, the excitement of retrieving a net of fish and especially the places that have brought him these things. It is really these that come through as the lasting 'characters' in book, for each one brings together it's own unique tapestry of the different threads of his life. Of course in a book dealing extensively with fish and fishing, there is no escaping things rather less joyful and Shelton's experience puts him in a very strong position to deliver the necessary cautionary message.
This is a book of science, history, nature and the autobiography of one who has a great appreciation of all three. This alone makes it worth a read, the fact that Shelton writes of them so finely makes it a joy.
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