The header should really read: If you are serious about the history of fly fishing then…. I just finished reading The Fly, 2000 years of fly fishing history, by Dr. Andrew Herd, Medlar Press http://www.medlarpress.com/7779-The-Fly_by_Andrew-Herd.html
This is not a quick read, but indeed an enjoyable one. If you ever wanted to know about the real history of fly fishing (at least as Dr. Herd understands it today), this is the book you need to read. Although I’ve read all of Schullery’s, Gingrich’s and others books on fly fishing history, this one did the best job of laying out the evolution of flies, materials, techniques and equipment as well as doing a marvelous job of characterizing the personalities involved. It clears up alot of common misconception about fly fishing. If you have any interest in the evolution of our sport, this book is a must read.