Ashley Book of Knots (Hardcover)

~ Clifford Ashley (Author) "The sailor, from the very nature of his craft, has a dependence upon rope and a consequent familiarity with knots that is demanded of no..." (more)
Key Phrases: Captain Charles, New Bedford, Captain John Smith (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Ashley Book of Knots takes us back to a time when knots saved lives and put dinner on the table. Whether out at sea or in a pioneer cabin, knots were a part of daily life, one that is nearly lost today. But in this attractive, well-organized archive of more than 3,900 different knots--presented through 7,000 illustrations--the art of knot tying lives on, both as a historical reference and a reservoir of handy knowledge.

Product Description

Describes every practical knot, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to tie it. The book includes 4,000 knots, with all the varieties of shipboard knots as well as knots used by butchers, steeplejacks, electric linesmen, knitters, cobblers, surgeons, poachers and cowboys. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 640 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday; 1st edition (June 21, 1944)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385040253
• ISBN-13: 978-0385040259
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (83 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,856 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #3 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Outdoor Recreation > Sailing
  #6 in	Books > Sports > Water Sports
  #95 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just Knots,But A Whole Lot More, October 5, 2000

By	Thomas Powers (Staten Island, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a work of art and devotion. Clifford Ashley presents an encyclopedic array of knots in this book. If there's a knot you seek, you'll find it here: plain knots and fancy knots, practical knots and magical knots, beautiful and ornamental knots---they're all here. Mr.Ashley's hand drawings make these knots easy to follow. There are hundreds of beautiful pen-and-ink drawings that depict the maritime life as well:from people to places to things. Clifford Ashley's love and mastery of his subject is evident on every page. For my money, this is the best book you will ever find about the subject of knots.

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Bible of Knots, April 16, 2000

By	Daniel R. Middelburg (Auburn, Washington) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is the indispensable, essential, must-have book of every knot a person could ever dream. I bought three other knot books before this one, believing that Ashley's book was more than I needed. Now the other three books gather dust and this one is the only book I use. It isn't just knots, either. Ashley also tells a lot of tales and lets us know what life was like when he lived, as he collected the information to put together his book. I actually read this book sometimes just for the pleasure of reading it. You don't have to be tying knots. It would be hard to imagine a book that could improve on what Ashley has put together. Simply outstanding. I love it.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A life long companion for the knot nut - ameteur or pro, August 18, 1999

By A Customer

I bought my first copy of this GREAT book in 1945, in Honolulu while in the navy and have had a copy at my warm side ever since -- most books are read once, maybe twice, some even more BUT this one has been read by me almost daily for all these years -- I even keep an extra copy at my mother-in-law's house so I can be close while travelling -- someone should run down a member of the Ashley family descendants and tell him or her what a totally awesome job he did! There is no book on knots equal to his work -- A wonderful contribution to the nutty people who enjoy knots whether they be scout, sailor, cowboy, climber or the soccer mom who needs help with a simple bow!