The topics covered in this book cover a majority of the different types of fly fishing & related subjects. From the history of the sport, fly tackle, fly tying, fishing in the East & the West, fly fishing for bass, saltwater fly fishing, to the (then) future of the sport, this book covers a wide range of discussions. The authors involved in this book are: James Bashline, Leon Chandler, Larry Green, Bob Eliot, Donald DuBois, George Harvey, Roger Latham, Charles Waterman, Mark Sosin, & Tom McNally.
Perhaps the most informative & useful chapters, at least for me, were the ones about techniques by Harvey & the bass chapter by Waterman. Focusing on the practical rather than what may be fashionable, Waterman's advice is so good both beginners & experienced bass fly anglers will find it useful. His humor & his wit make him someone I'd enjoy fly fishing with.
George Harvey was a master. If you've never heard of him you're missing out - big time. He taught tens of thousands of students fly fishing for decades at Penn State & countless more through his writings. In his chapter he explains very detailed techniques for catching trout. From nymphs to dries & streamers he shows very specific methods. This isn't just an overview of how these flies work. He tells of different tricks & approaches to take on days when the fish won't cooperate. He offers tons of advice in a direct & easy to understand way in his pages of the book. Harvey was famous for, among other things, his formulas for leaders. Here he gives us the formula & explains the theory behind it all. I suggest reading this book for this info if for nothing else. This is probably the most succinct & informative single chapter from any 'how-to' style fly fishing book I've ever read.
Roger Latham's short chapter on the philosophy of fly fishing is also a pleasure to read. A legend & outdoor guru in Pennsylvania, his writing style was superb, making his work some of the best in the outdoor genre. His untimely passing was a loss to all readers & outdoor enthusiasts.
I think this now out of print book is a forgotten classic. There's something in it for everyone who fly fishes & anglers of every experience level. You'll learn more about the things you thought you knew & be introduced in intelligent ways to subjects you don't know. I'd be willing to bet that most fly anglers have never heard of this book. That's a shame because I don't think there's any of us out there who couldn't learn something to make us better anglers form reading this book. I highly suggest you find a copy & give it a read.