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Death, Taxes, and Leaky Waders : A John Gierach Fly-Fishing Treasury
Brilliant, witty, perceptive essays about fly-fishing, the natural world, and life in general by the acknowledged master of fishing writers.
Death, Taxes, and Leaky Waders collects forty of John Gierach’s finest essays on fishing from six of his books. Like all his writing, these essays are seasoned by a keen sense of observation and a deep knowledge and love of fishing lore, leavened by a wonderfully wry sense of humor. Gierach often begins with an observation that soon leads to something below the surface, which he finds and successfully lands. As Gierach says, writing is a lot like fishing.
This is the first anthology of John Gierach’s work, a collection that is sure to delight both die-hard fans and new readers alike. To enter Gierach’s world is to experience the daily wonder, challenge, and occasional absurdity of the fishing life—from such rituals as the preparation of camp coffee (for best results, serve in a tin cup) to the random, revelatory surprises, such as the flashing beauty of a grayling leaping out of the water. Whether he’s catching fish or musing on the ones that got away, Gierach is always entertaining and enlightening, writing with his own inimitable blend of grace and style, passion and wit.
Death, Taxes, and Leaky Waders collects forty of John Gierach’s finest essays on fishing from six of his books. Like all his writing, these essays are seasoned by a keen sense of observation and a deep knowledge and love of fishing lore, leavened by a wonderfully wry sense of humor. Gierach often begins with an observation that soon leads to something below the surface, which he finds and successfully lands. As Gierach says, writing is a lot like fishing.
This is the first anthology of John Gierach’s work, a collection that is sure to delight both die-hard fans and new readers alike. To enter Gierach’s world is to experience the daily wonder, challenge, and occasional absurdity of the fishing life—from such rituals as the preparation of camp coffee (for best results, serve in a tin cup) to the random, revelatory surprises, such as the flashing beauty of a grayling leaping out of the water. Whether he’s catching fish or musing on the ones that got away, Gierach is always entertaining and enlightening, writing with his own inimitable blend of grace and style, passion and wit.
416 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2000
60 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
John Gierach
40 books234 followersJohn Gierach was an American author and freelance writer who lived in Larimer County, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
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October 28, 2013That son of a bitch Gierach. He just gives me a way to think about fishing when I'm not fishing. I'm addicted, and after finishing this giant "treasury" of his best stories, I'm not sure what to read this off season. Obviously his stories are witty, funny, and reveal not only why so many of us fish, but so much more. As an avid outdoorsman, a little off center, fiercely independent, and relationship failure, he is kind of my hero. Reading his stories also feels like you are getting some insider fishing secrets, when in truth, he is only telling how to become a fisherman, not where to fish, or what to fish, but how to fish.
June 18, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
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Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
June 18, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
https://theboatyacht.com/boats-for-sa...
https://numberoneboats.com/boats-for-...
Read
April 13, 2022Loved this book! Collection of essays on their face about fly fishing, but peppered throughout each of the easily consumable essays with what I would call "front poarch philosphy" -- that worldly wisdom that comes in nuggets during conversation with someone who's been around the block a time or two. It's the kind of treasure that kind of sneaks up on you and rewards you when you least expect it. I'm certainly going to look for more of his work.
January 29, 2020
One of my favorite books I’ve ever read. Gierach combines simple, funny, educational fly fishing stories with a deeply resonating philosophy that makes you laugh and ponder all at the same time. I highly recommend these books to anyone, and I enjoy each one. Death, Taxes, and Leaky Waders is the pinnacle in my opinion.
June 28, 2023
Nice collection.
December 1, 2025
It’s an Anthology of some of his best writing. He recently died and I will miss his books and articles
June 20, 2012
There were some great essays in this book. It was a wonderful introduction to John Gierach, whom I've never even heard of before. I thought he came across as a bit grumpy in some of these essays though. I prefer the more upbeat fishing essays of Nick Lyons.
I started reading this book right before I joined a bunch of friends on our yearly fishing trip to the Deschutes River. It really got me in the spirit of fishing after the long Winter.
The range of fishing locations and experiences he writes about provide insight into fishing in waters I will probably never have time to visit. I guess this is also why I preferred Nick Lyons' essays more: because I grew up on the East coast and I was familiar with the places Nick wrote about. John's essays are mostly about Colorado and Montana rivers, places I've never been.
But this is still a great book about fishing that introduced me to this fine author. I will definitely seek out more of his books.
I started reading this book right before I joined a bunch of friends on our yearly fishing trip to the Deschutes River. It really got me in the spirit of fishing after the long Winter.
The range of fishing locations and experiences he writes about provide insight into fishing in waters I will probably never have time to visit. I guess this is also why I preferred Nick Lyons' essays more: because I grew up on the East coast and I was familiar with the places Nick wrote about. John's essays are mostly about Colorado and Montana rivers, places I've never been.
But this is still a great book about fishing that introduced me to this fine author. I will definitely seek out more of his books.
April 14, 2011
I like Mr. Gierach's writing, but I don't like it a whole lot. Well, I guess I like it enough to go and buy another of his books, "Fool's Paradise", which I just downloaded.
This book is a series of essays about all things having to do with fly fishing for trout, and some things not, such as fly fishing for carp. One of my least favorite chapters is the one he drew from his dictation into a digital voice recorder-little pocket device that will carry about 31 hours of dictation. I keep one in my pocket. It's good for notes; it's not so good to transcribe directly into an essay.
About the best writing in this book is Gierach's introduction, or preface. That seems to be his best writing, and it's pretty good.
Of course, all of this could just be my jealousy over his ability to fish, then write about it, and call it work...
This book is a series of essays about all things having to do with fly fishing for trout, and some things not, such as fly fishing for carp. One of my least favorite chapters is the one he drew from his dictation into a digital voice recorder-little pocket device that will carry about 31 hours of dictation. I keep one in my pocket. It's good for notes; it's not so good to transcribe directly into an essay.
About the best writing in this book is Gierach's introduction, or preface. That seems to be his best writing, and it's pretty good.
Of course, all of this could just be my jealousy over his ability to fish, then write about it, and call it work...
January 22, 2008
I liked it so much that I bought it for my dad. We fished together a lot when I was younger and I know that his father, who I never really got to know, was also a pretty enthusiastic fisherman. About 2 years ago dad and I stepped our game up a little and took up fly fishing. When I gave him the book I told him he should keep it in the glovebox and go read it whenever he gets too embarrassed by the fact that I'm catching more fish than him.
April 13, 2008
I just re-read this anthology of short stories by John Gierach, one of my favorite authors. He writes mostly about fly-fishing, but like all good outdoor writing that's just a launch pad for delving into the real existential questions that pop into our heads when we're onstream, on the road, on the trail, or sitting inside snowbound dreaming of the sun. Great stuff.
January 25, 2008
John Gierach is a trout bum, philosopher, and writer. His simple, humorous style is exactly what you would expect from a fly fisherman from the small town of Lyons, Colorado. Somehow Gierach always finds a way to weave his hilarious comments on the human condition into essays on nature and fly fishing.
April 13, 2008
This is a book for anyone who has ever wet a flyline.While reading, I felt as if I was standing in a river watching big trout sip mayflies from the surface film. A must read for all you Trout Bums (or want to be Trout Bums) out there.
November 28, 2009
Only 80 pages in and one of my favorite books. In just a few short paragraphs I'm transfered from the bothers of life to a flowing river with a fly rod in hand.
September 15, 2010
This is the book I reread when I have nothing to read. I also read it on business trips instead of watching TV in the hotel. It is almost as good as being on the water.
October 12, 2011
The only thing bad about John Geirach books, is you end up reading them too fast. Leaving you wanted the "next" story.
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July 15, 2012This is the quintessential collection from one of the great fishing essayists of all time. Even the non-fisherman will enjoy Gierach's easily digestible storytelling style.
July 25, 2012
The thing about Gierach is you can pick up one of his books and start just about anywhere and be entertained. It's like running into a classic old geezer on the stream and having a few laughs.
April 20, 2013
SI is right. Gierach is the Mark Twain of fly fishing writing.
January 11, 2014
Classic.
August 13, 2014
I'd always wanted to try fly fishing, but this book was the main reason I decided to go ahead and give it a go. I'm glad I did.
July 17, 2016
Wonderfully written, witty and yet down to earth.
October 15, 2020
A re-read of a great compilation by one of my favorite outdoor writers.
September 11, 2012
I really enjoy Gierach's attitude in his books. Kinda reminds me of, well me.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews