Rachel Gualco Books

Merging poetic reverence for the art of fly fishing with practical information, Vincent Marinaro's classic guide is a cornerstone for dry-fly fishing enthusiasts. Originally published in 1950 during a period of stagnation in the sport, this work sparked a renaissance among American anglers. It appeals to those who share Marinaro's deep connection to the natural world and will inspire readers to seek the soothing sounds of running water while experimenting with his legendary fly patterns, casting techniques, and scouting tips. Drawing from a lifetime spent in Pennsylvania's Letort, Big Spring, and other streams, the guide transformed American perspectives on dry-fly fishing. It includes detailed insights on matching hatches, understanding trout behavior and biology, and strategic casting. Marinaro introduces innovative concepts from his experimental outings, including 'minutiae'—tiny flies mimicking the myriad insects on the water's surface—and his thorax-style technique for crafting exceptional dry-flies. Both beginners and seasoned fishermen will find valuable wisdom in Marinaro's inventive exploration of fly-fishing, making this guide a timeless resource for all who cherish the sport.

"Get tough, get down in the gutter, win at all costs... I teach what is called 'Gutter Fighting.' There's no fair play, no rules except one: kill or be killed." - W.E. Fairbairn Learn self-defense from a legendary hand-to-hand combat expert! W. E. Fairbairn, a pioneer in martial arts, invented the SWAT team, riot police, bullet-proof vests, and the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife, still utilized by Special Forces and Marines today. After enlisting in the British Royal Marines at 16, he spent 1903-1907 in Japan and Korea, studying various martial arts. Later, as a patrolman with the Shanghai Municipal Police, he faced organized crime and gang violence. Tasked with training the underfunded department, Fairbairn combined his military background, Eastern martial arts expertise, and street-fighting experience to create a no-holds-barred style called Defendu. Over 35 years in Shanghai, he allegedly survived over 600 violent encounters, leaving him scarred from knife and bullet wounds. Afterward, he trained elite agents for the British Secret Service in preparation for WWII. Written in 1931, after two decades on Shanghai's brutal streets, this guide offers practical self-defense techniques against any attacker. With hundreds of diagrams and photos illustrating Defendu's defensive maneuvers and retaliatory attacks, this resource equips you with the skills to protect yourself effectively.