Tales of Woods and Waters by Vin T. Sparano (Signed Limited Edition No. 263), 1989 🎣🌲🦆

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a rare, signed, limited edition of Tales of Woods and Waters, a beautiful anthology of hunting and fishing stories edited by Vin T. Sparano.

Published in 1989 by the renowned Amwell Press, this book is a primary historical document that captures the enduring spirit of outdoor sports.

As a signed limited edition, numbered 263 of a total of 1,000 copies, this volume is a premier acquisition for any serious collector of hunting and fishing literature, Americana, or fine signed editions. This edition is a tangible connection to the rich traditions of American outdoor life. It is a premier acquisition for any serious library due to its:

• Documented rarity as a limited, numbered edition.

• Personal signatures from the editor and publisher's president.

• Status as a meticulously crafted work of fine press publishing.

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2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

Tales of Woods and Waters is an anthology that brings together 37 classic outdoor stories from some of the greatest writers in the genre. The book is known for its gripping narratives of hunting and fishing adventures. The book's contents are an important resource for scholars of the genre. Key features of this volume include:

• A comprehensive collection of classic outdoor stories.

• Original art by Mike Watson, which adds a visual richness and an aesthetic dimension that enhances the text.

• A foreword by Charles Elliott, a respected author in the outdoor community.

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3. About the Author/Maker ✍️🏛️✨

Vin T. Sparano is a renowned outdoor editor and author who has dedicated his career to preserving and sharing the rich tradition of outdoor literature. As the Editor Emeritus of Outdoor Life magazine, he has a deep knowledge of the genre and a keen eye for compelling storytelling.

The book was published by The Amwell Press for The National Sporting Fraternity Limited. This collaboration reflects the deep commitment of both the editor and the publisher's president, James C. Rikhoff, to the heritage of outdoor sports. 

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4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1989, this book is a "time capsule" of a period when the history and traditions of hunting and fishing were gaining renewed attention. The book reflects the interconnectedness of global sporting traditions and the specific interests of its publisher.

The book is a document of an era that was grappling with a new brand of conservationism and a desire to preserve the heritage of outdoor sports. It reflects the values of its time, capturing the spirit of a community with a deep appreciation for the natural world. The book highlights how the practices of 19th-century hunters eventually laid the groundwork for modern conservation movements.

The publisher, The Amwell Press, and the National Sporting Fraternity Limitedare both respected organizations in the hunting and conservation community, and their collaboration on this book reflects a commitment to preserving the history of big game hunting as a cultural tradition.

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5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is intended for a curator of sporting history, a scholar of Americana, or a private collector of unique first editions. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book's historical significance and its documented personal history. The author's signature and the limited edition number make this a perfect fit for a collection that cherishes the intimate story behind an artifact. The book appeals to a collector who is interested in the intersection of:

• Nature and sport.

• The art of bookmaking.

• The personal narrative of the outdoor community.

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6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

As a signed, limited edition, this book is a rare and desirable asset. The scarcity of a well-preserved copy in this condition is a key factor in its value.

The book is numbered 263 of a total of 1,000 copies and is signed by both the editor, Vin T. Sparano, and the President of the National Sporting Fraternity Limited, James C. Rikhoff.

This unique provenance makes the book a non-replicable piece of personal history. The price reflects its status as a sound, collectible copy of a key work of Americana. Its true worth lies in its historical context and its scarcity within the specialized field of fine press publishing.

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7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This volume is in good vintage condition. The hardcover is in a solid state, with a tight binding and clean pages. The original slipcase is present and shows some very minor shelf wear, which is expected for a book of this age. The overall condition is an honest and transparent portrayal of a well-cared-for volume.

• Binding: Leather-bound hardcover with original slipcase. The binding is tight with no loose pages. The leather shows light signs of age consistent with a book from the late 1980s.

• Interior: The pages are clean, with no markings or stains. The text block is solid.

• Signatures: The book is signed by both Vin T. Sparano and James C. Rikhoff.

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8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• The book was published by The Amwell Press, a publisher widely considered the "gold standard" in the sporting and hunting book community.

• The limited edition of only 1,000 copies was published for The National Sporting Fraternity Limited, reflecting a highly specialized and dedicated audience.

• The book's illustrations by Mike Watson are a unique and beautiful example of the artistry of bookmaking, commissioned specifically for this edition.

• The book features a foreword by Charles Elliott, a respected author in the outdoor community.

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9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: Tales of Woods and Waters

• Author/Maker: Edited by Vin T. Sparano

• Year: 1989

• Publisher/Foundry: The Amwell Press

• Place of Origin: Clinton, New Jersey, USA

• Format/Binding: Hardcover with Slipcase

• Edition: Signed Limited Edition No. 263

• Rarity: Unique (due to provenance)

• Transcription: One thousand copies of Tales of Woods and Waters have been published by The Amwell Press for The National Sporting Fraternity Limited This copy is No. 263 [Signatures] Vin T. Sparano James C. Rikhoff, President, NSFL.