Next up, we have a knots book that’s specifically geared towards complete beginners. Berndt Sundsten and Jan Jäger have emphasized how it’s a memorable experience for children when they first learn to tie their own shoes! Since the content is so beginner-friendly, it can easily double up as an artsy children’s book for your five– or ten-year-old (s). It’s a ton of fun and a lifetime of valuable skills! Featuring all the knots, hitches, bends, splices, whipping and decorative knotwork that you would find on a boat. This comprehensive bible of knots will help those who go to sea master every knot they will need. Over 200 knots are scored for strength, reliability, ease of tying (and untying) and usefulness. Step by step photographs shows how to tie each knot, and demonstrate how they can be used, such as in the rigging or for tying boats up. It would get five stars for the illustrations alone. It adds interest that it identifies dangerous variations of well known knots with a skull and crossbones! I wish more books would do that. Although Ashley was an esteemed painter, the cover illustration was painted by George Giguere. It shows a sailor displaying a Tom fool's knot.

Ashley suffered a debilitating stroke the year after the book was published. [3] He was not able to produce an erratum nor oversee a corrected edition. Budworth, Geoffrey, ed. (Spring 1985). "Profile of Knotsman Clifford W. Ashley". Knotting Matters. London: International Guild of Knot Tyers (11): 6–7. ISSN 0959-2881. I only give this book four stars because it is (understandably) dated. The book refers exclusively to natural fiber and twisted rope. There is obviously nothing in the book about the synthetic ropes that have come out since it was written, or the knots that were developed to deal with the slipperiness of those ropes. It is also missing one of my favorite bends, the Zeppelin Bend. Warner, Charles; Turner, John (1996), Turner, J.C.; van de Griend, P. (eds.), History and Science of Knots, K&E Series on Knots and Everything, vol.11, Singapore: World Scientific Publishing, pp.22, 274–275, ISBN 981-02-2469-9The Ashley Book of Knots is an encyclopedia of knots written and illustrated by the American sailor and artist Clifford W. Ashley. First published in 1944, it was the culmination of over 11 years of work. The book contains 3,857 numbered entries and approximately 7,000 illustrations. [1] The entries include knot instructions, uses, and some histories, categorized by type or function. It remains one of the most important and comprehensive books on knots. The illustrations are easy to follow and beautifully done. This is the definitive reference on the subject and well worth adding to ANY library, public, private, or personal. The glimpse into the history that goes along with some of the knots adds even more value to the book. The definitive book on knots—including approximately 3,900 different kinds of knots, from simple hitches to “Marlingspike Seamanship,” this book and a piece of cord will open a new and challenging world of practical adventure to readers of all ages.

The Ashley Book of Knots includes almost everything there is to know about knots, each precisely named and classified (with some new knots officially listed for the first time in the original 1944 publication). Mr. Ashley describes when each knot initially appeared, something about their history, and what each knot is best used for. Due to its scope and wide availability, The Ashley Book of Knots has become a significant reference work in the field of knotting. The numbers Ashley assigned to each knot can be used to unambiguously identify them. This helps to identify knots despite local colloquialisms or identification changes. Citations to Ashley numbers are usually in the form: " The Constrictor Knot (ABOK #1249)", "ABOK #1249", or even simply "#1249" if the context of the reference is clear or already established. [2] By the bestselling author of The Omnivore's Dilemma, this is Michael Pollan's ingenious companion book about the surprising and close relationship between people and plants. I want to learn knots which are useful in general, while traveling, hiking also a bit at sea and perhaps also some surgical knots- but these are less important for now. Clifford W. Ashley was born in 1881 at the whaling port of New Bedford, Massachusetts. He sailed on many kinds of boats in many capacities, from ship's surgeon to interested observer. His ruling passions were marine painting and knot-tying, on which he was one of the world's leading authorities. His paintings are represented in the permanent collection of many American museums and libraries. He spent six weeks on the whaling ship Sunbeam. During the voyage he witnessed the hunt and killing of three whales.

Remember that a book that’s “too easy” will leave you bored, while a book that’s “too complex” will leave you confused. So, the right knots book depends on your experience level.