I actually discovered Charlie Cravin on YouTube after surfing random tying videos. I was absolutely floored with his prodigious skills at the vice. As it turned out, he just published his first book last year. Quite simply, it's the best beginner's reference course I've seen.
From a pedagogical perspective, this text is rock solid. Charlie organized the book around notes he developed for his live tying classes. There are indepth discussions about tools, techniques and materials before one even begins tying. Every fly, there are 17 in all, is progressive in nature, with each focusing on a certain technique with different materials. High quality photos and clear tying directions complement each fly. If one proceeds through the book as Charlie intends, one will have a solid foundation to pursue more advanced skills related to this wonderful art.
Excellent book for those getting into tying. Follow it through in order from front to back, and you'll come away with the best knowledge base. Each new pattern introduces a new concept and fundamental technique to learn, and by the end you'll have all of the foundation needed to be able to tie almost any pattern you come across. All that's left once you get through this book is to branch out and practice practice practice!
Wow, what a beautiful, instructional, and enlightening fly tying reference. I am a better tyer today because of this book. A definite must read for those looking to create neater, more professional-looking trout flies. I refer to this book whenever I tie one of the patterns included in this book as well as when tying flies In the same family of flies.
This is a must have textbook for the beginning fly tyer. The book is presented in a logical order. If followed from beginning to end - you will be able to call yourself an expert fly tyer.