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Book review -"The early years of the Mitchell fishing reel .

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2022 7:39 pm
by JohnEboy
Hi Mates
I wanted to share a mini review of " The Early Years Of The Michell Fishing Reel " by Rolands Babulis

I found it incredibly interesting reading through Rolands book , It often amazes and delights me that Mitchell collectors and dare I say It Experts are willing to share their wealth of knowledge . This is my first Michell book , so I am unable to draw comparisons to what has gone before and perhaps that was not a bad thing when looking through the book .

Rolands Book is 180 pages spread across 18 chapters ,The pages and print having a good look and feel of quality , I found there to be a good mix of content , Beautiful reels , interesting history & advertisements ,Boxes ,dating , very informative sections on classifying early reels and the anatomy of early reels . Within the latter we see very detailed images of the various areas of reels to help understand how early they are or the classification .

I found the detailed images and descriptions very helpful in understanding some of my own reels , I happy to admit there were aspects of the very earliest reels that I was unaware of . I also enjoyed the section on boxes as that was an area in which my knowledge is particularly lacking .

I really liked the way the author lays out the book as a reference draw up from his own knowledge and understanding and doesnt try and push it as a "bible" or ultimate or only authority to rigidly follow. In one part of the author writes :
"The reader is advised to consider the book with an open mind . Don't take everything written within this book as Gospel ; make your own enquiries and reach your own conclusions ."

The sheer number of early reels studied by the author is a huge factor in supporting the content of the book as a work of reference , but much more than that , in sharing some of the collectors reels we can glimpse into the world of the high end collector that perhaps most would never see . I would imagine many Mitchell collectors and enthusiasts might never see let alone own one of Mitchells very earliest reels . To see some of those treasures laid out in high quality and well printed images was a bit of a treat .

For the most part many Mitchell books are hard to come by so I was pleased to have this one . It ticks a lot of boxes including being informative and also entertaining due to the quality reels contained within .

For more information the author can be found on MRM under the username Altex .

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Re: Book review -"The early years of the Mitchell fishing reel .

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2022 8:58 pm
by Rockape
I would also like to, If I may, add to this review thread of "The Early Years Of The Michell Fishing Reel " by Rolands Babulis.

This is my first Mitchell book also, and it is packed with a wealth of information.

So where do I begin on what is so obviously the result of a real labour of love?

The book is beautifully presented and packed with detail (LOTS of details!) on the design stages and overlaps of these wonderful early Mitchell reels, with accompanying photos.

As a relative newbie enthusiast (for around a year now) on the very early Mitchell reels, there was something on almost every page that was a revelation to me, and a joy to read about (into the early hours!).
The many quality images of those early reels had me drooling! A truly incredible collection!!

Reading through Johns review, he absolutely nails it and leaves me with very little to add I must say, but yes, indeed, nice to see such a specialist book not pushed as the final word on the subject, but just a vast amout of experience and thorough hands on research, simply laid out in front of the reader for them to make up their own mind.

As John states, Rolands book covers a lot of different aspects of 'The Mitchell' reel (History, packaging, advertising and more) and some info on it's predecessors and their inspirations also.

Well, to say I enjoyed reading Rolands book, is an understatement, and I will be reading it over and over (just the photos alone!..... ).
It has certainly educated me, but best if all, it has inspired me.

The perfect addition to any Mitchell reel enthusiasts bookshelf.

Paul

Re: Book review -"The early years of the Mitchell fishing reel .

Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2022 5:31 am
by Simone Baschirotto
I also completely agree with you John!
. Roland's book "The Early Years Of The Mitchell Fishing Reel" is certainly an excellent guide with current information and points of view and supported by the expertise of excellent collectors.

Best regards
Simone

Re: Book review -"The early years of the Mitchell fishing reel .

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2022 10:29 am
by Altex
Dear John, Paul and Simone (I nearly wrote George and Ringo !!),

I'm very pleased that you enjoyed the book and found it informative.

My very best wishes to you for your future collecting. If I can ever be of assistance, please let me know.

Warm regards,

Rolands Babulis.

Re: Book review -"The early years of the Mitchell fishing reel .

Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2022 4:32 am
by Old Mitch
Are these books still available and how do I go about getting one?

Re: Book review -"The early years of the Mitchell fishing reel .

Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:49 am
by Simone Baschirotto
you can send a private message to Altex. This book is limited to 25 copies, I know that the previous blue version sold out quickly

Re: Book review -"The early years of the Mitchell fishing reel .

Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:49 am
by Simone Baschirotto
Old Mitch wrote: Wed Dec 21, 2022 4:32 am Are these books still available and how do I go about getting one?