Collectible Fishing Reels by Carl Caiati (2003, Paperback, Illustrated)

Recently I purchased a copy of "COLLECTIBLE FISHING REELS" by Carl caiati, published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd., of Atglen, Pa.. This excellent reference book, has a copyright date of 2003, with an ISBN #: 0-7643-1767-9. This informative collectors book, has 160 pages of priceless information, starting with a chapter on the history and development of the fishing reel. I was surprised to learn that the concept of the fishing reel, can be traced back to the Chinese, in the twelfth century AD. The author, has done an excellent job of researching, some 63, major, reel and tackle manufactures, and captures the readers attention, with a synopsis, about the development and history of each company. The book is loaded with hundreds of black and white,and color photos, as well as, sketches and blue prints. The reader will learn how to determine, the condition of a reel, using a well defined "Reel Grading System". This collectors guide also includes a price guide, on over 400 different Fly Reels, and over 400 different casting reels. The only fault I can find with this comprehensive guide to fishing reels, is that, it only tracks the evolution of the Fly Reel and The Casting Reel, and does not cover any Spinning Reels. If you collect, buy, trade, or sell, vintage fly reels or casting reels, you will find this reference book, to be one of the best on the subject.