A signed copy by the author

Drift Boats and River Dories, Their History, Design, Construction and Use,

by Roger L. Fletcher

Boat building illustrations by Samuel F. Manning, published by Stackpole Books

The book is 304 pages hard cover, 9-1/4" by 12-1/4" and includes over 200 historic photos, how-to photos, plans drawings and illustrations. Stackpole Books has done an excellent job in representing my work and whether you are interested in the history, the boats, building or modeling, the book will bring you pleasure. Shipping weight is just under 4 pounds.

A sampling of reviews

WoodenBoat, the magazine for wooden boat owners, builders and designers, August 2007, pp 108 – 110, by senior editor Tom Jackson who concludes that this volume "will stand as the definitive statement on the subject. The author writes from the strength of a simple love for his subject. He leaves us wishing we could have been there to get in on the action. The book is a compelling invitation to join the camaraderie of the river…and …the only decision left is to commit and go."

Gray’s Sporting Journal, the national bi-monthly sportsman’s magazine, in the February – March 2008 issue, reviewer Chris Camuto writes: "Does anyone ever get between the oars of a drift boat – feel its cocky, shipshape, river-perfect design while plying those oars – and not fall in love with a craft so favored now by guides aqnd sports east and west? I doubt it. Roger Fletcher has given us a book worthy of the boat… There are two books in one here: a superbly written and beautifully illustrated history of the evolution" of the boats "and a how to book on building the traditional drift boat. Fletcher’s purpose in this truly masterful book is as lyric as it is practical."

Salmon – Trout – Steelheader a magazine for Northwest sports fishers by Amato Publications, October 2007. The review is by Jack W. Berryman who writes that the lines and stories of these "superb fishing boats" is recorded in "this magnificent one-of-a-kind collection. In all this a beautiful and well-researched book that has saved a slice of unique Northwest history for future generations of fishermen, river runners and craftsmen."

Boatman’s Quarterly Review, a periodical by and for Grand Canyon River guides, Fall 2007, by Brad Dimock, who reports that he and a friend "tried out the instructions in mid-July. A week later, at a cost of about $300 in construction grade material, we had a beautiful replica of Woodie Hindman’s original 16-foot Double Ender with Transom. We can vouch for the clarity and completeness of the methods and the drawings. With a few good tools, a pile of sticks from the lumberyard, and a healthy dollop of elbow grease, you too can have your own riverboat."

Duckworks, the online magazine for amateur boat builders, September 2007, by contributing editor David Nichols, who concludes "It’s all there from the sliding rope seats to the Rapid Robert, the double-enders, the classic Rogue River dory and the rest. This book is a must for anyone that knows drift boats or thinks they might like to learn about these fine boats."

California Fly Fisher, a magazine for west coast fly fishers, January-February 2008 issue with a review by LarryKenney. He concludes by writing: "If the idea of a drift boat grabs you, if you want to know more about them, if you’re considering building one, or if you’re simply interested in the historical dveelopment of a uniquely Western craft whose ties to fly fishing are strong, Drift Boats and River Dories is a book you will want to read and own."