Knots and How to Tie Them (Hardcover)

by Walter B. Gibson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
More than 75 knots and their uses. Hobbyists, decorators and tricksters will treasure this collection of useful, decorative and magic knots. From simple hitches to complex lariats, trick knots and rope tricks with step-by-step illustrations and instructions. Illustrations throughout. 144 pages.

From the Inside Flap
More than 75 knots and their uses. Hobbyists, decorators and tricksters will treasure this collection of useful, decorative and magic knots. From simple hitches to complex lariats, trick knots and rope tricks with step-by-step illustrations and instructions. Illustrations throughout. 144 pages.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Gramercy; Revised edition (July 21, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517093693
• ISBN-13: 978-0517093696
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #494,253 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rope in Hand, I Opened the Cover......, June 25, 2000

By	Al the Pal "Al the Pal" (The Fruited Plain, United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This book was originally published in 1961 and I suspect, parts of it appeared in "The Boy Scout Handbook" during the 60's. It covers a large variety of knots and tricks, too. Each subject is accompanied by hand drawn pictures of the knot being described as well as a clear description of how to tie it. Two rope knots are illustrated with one dark and one light strand to make them clearer. Uses and nicknames of the various knots are also included. The knots are divided into sections in the book, arranged by similarity of application.

This is a great reference for anyone who works with rope, from a Boy Scout to a Sailor. Teamsters all use ratcheting nylon straps now, but the original method of tieing down with ropes can be learned in this book. There are knots for Cowboys, Fishermen and Magicians. Even Decorators could learn a few fancy knots here. There are dozens of knots here for many purposes.

When you order this book, get a rope, or two!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Junk, December 4, 2002

By	NameWithheld (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

Maybe 40 years ago this passed for a book on knots, not today. With so many good books about knots and ropework available, there is absolutely no reason to get this one. I felt cheated out of my money when I actually started to go through the book in detail. The illustrations don't match the text, and in some cases are just plain wrong. I collect books on ropework, knots and rigging and currently own dozens. This is the first one I considered throwing away.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, January 5, 2002

By	Thomas Cox (Beaverton, OR United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A good selection of knots, but some illustrations have errors. Other problems: there is a picture of each knot as it's being laid, but not of the knot as it appears when dressed (tightened) -- this can make a huge difference for some of them. Also, the text doesn't tell you how to use the knot, what it's good for, or when you might want to use it.

This is not a bad intro book, all in all, but I'd be happier with something more thorough, better illustrated, and with more detailed text.