Izaak Walton

Izaak Walton Biography

Izaak Walton (baptised 21 September 1593 – 15 December 1683) was an English writer and biographer, celebrated for his classic work The Compleat Angler. Born in Stafford, England, Walton moved to London in his early twenties, where he established himself as a successful linen draper. During his time in London, he became acquainted with notable figures, including the poet and clergyman John Donne, who served as vicar of St. Dunstan's Church, near Walton's shop.

Walton's literary career began with the publication of The Life and Death of Dr. Donne in 1640, a biography of his friend John Donne. This work marked the beginning of a series of biographies, later collected as Walton's Lives, which included accounts of Sir Henry Wotton, Richard Hooker, George Herbert, and Robert Sanderson. These biographies are noted for their detailed portrayal of their subjects and the times in which they lived.

In 1653, Walton published The Compleat Angler, a discourse on the art of fishing interwoven with meditations on life and nature. The book's charm and enduring appeal have led to it becoming one of the most reprinted works in English literature. Walton continued to revise and expand the book, with the fifth edition published in 1676, which included additional material by his friend Charles Cotton.

A Royalist sympathizer during the English Civil War, Walton retired from his trade following the Royalist defeat at Marston Moor in 1644. He spent his later years residing with various eminent clergymen, including Bishop George Morley, and continued his writing and fishing pursuits until his death in Winchester in 1683.

Trivia About Izaak Walton

• Walton's second wife, Anne Ken, was the half-sister of Thomas Ken, who later became the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
• Despite his limited formal education, Walton's works display a deep knowledge of literature and theology.
• Walton's cottage in Shallowford, Staffordshire, is preserved as a museum dedicated to his life and works.
• The Compleat Angler has inspired numerous fishing clubs and societies, including the Izaak Walton League in the United States.

Famous Quotes by Izaak Walton

• "Good company and good discourse are the very sinews of virtue."
• "Angling may be said to be so like the mathematics that it can never be fully learnt."
• "No man can lose what he never had."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Izaak Walton?

Izaak Walton was an English writer and biographer, best known for his book The Compleat Angler, a classic guide to the art of fishing and reflections on nature.

What is 'The Compleat Angler' about?

The Compleat Angler is a pastoral work that discusses the joys and techniques of fishing, interspersed with musings on life, friendship, and the natural world.

What are 'Walton's Lives'?

Walton's Lives is a collection of biographies written by Izaak Walton, detailing the lives of notable figures such as John Donne, Sir Henry Wotton, Richard Hooker, George Herbert, and Robert Sanderson.

Related Literary Movements

Izaak Walton's works are associated with the pastoral literary tradition, emphasizing the idealization of rural life and nature. His biographies contribute to the genre of English ecclesiastical biography, providing insights into the religious and literary figures of his time.

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