FISHING HISTORY – English scholars have a new run of information to explore in the Palouse, thanks to a Spokane couple. Washington State University has netted an historic collection of classic angling literature valued at $1.8 million.

The unusually fine collection includes treasures such as a complete set of 19 first editions of Henry Abbot’s privately printed birch books, Oswald Crawfurd’s personal, annotated copy of "The Compleatest Angling Booke," and a first edition (1653) of Izaak Walton’s "The Compleat Angler."

"The Compleat Angler" is, along with the Bible, “one of the most popular books ever published in English,” said Trevor James Bond, head of the WSU Libraries’ department of Manuscripts, Archives and Special Collections.

Joan and Vernon Gallup of Spokane donated the fine catch of more than 15,000 rare books related to angling, natural history and outdoor sports. Get a glimpse of the Gallups and the donated volumes in this short video.

Assembled over decades from American and British dealers, the collection is three times the size of well known angling collections at Princeton University and the University of New Hampshire, WSU officials say.

Standout volumes include 'The Fresh Water Fishes of Great Britain,' by Sarah Bowdich, who ground scales from fish and mixed them in her paints to vividly illustrate her book.

It’s the largest single gift of rare books in the MASC’s 120-year history, putting WSU at the forefront of such collections nationally and internationally, Bond said.

Read on for more details about the collection and a reception honoring the Gallups.

A reception to honor the Gallups is set for 5:30-7 p.m., Sept. 22, in the Terrell Library Atrium. Info: Anna Wheatley at awheatley@wsu.edu or call (509) 335-6205.

The Gallup Collection “will no doubt serve as the foundation for significant graduate work in humanities and related fields,” said Todd Butler, associate professor and vice chair of the Department of English.