Casting a Spell: The Bamboo Fly Rod and the American Pursuit of Perfection Book

Overall a very good read which traces the lives of a select group of craftsman as they pursue their white whale in the form of a uniquely American art form. This book is for anyone interested in what drives an artist to do what they love (or in one case, tolerate) in spite of personal and financial hardship.

Other reviews of this book have brought up the other's political remarks in the book. There are a few included which are very out of place and not at all in keeping with the spirit of the subject. I actually side with the author politically but offhandedly referring to Republican's as "neanderthals" is childish at best. If he seeks to contrast Republican cane rod builders with the Buddhist rod builders he profiles then he couldn't be further from the mark (I've known several Buddhists who happen to vote the GOP line). I'm disappointed in both the author and the editor for letting petty feelings break up the rhythm of an otherwise fine book. And this is why I've given it 3 stars instead of 4.