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10 Burnside Nautical- Knots
1 Technical Nautical- General

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Ashley Book of Knots

by Clifford Ashley

Ashley Book of Knots Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

This is the definitive book on knots. Here are approximately 3900 different kinds, from simple hitches to "Marlingspike Seamanship." Mr. Ashley has included almost everything there is to know about them. Precisely named and classified (some new ones for the first time officially), they can be easily found in the big index. He tells when they appeared, something about their history, and what they are good for. Above all, Mr. Ashley gives explicit directions on how to tie them. He describes each step simply and clearly in the text and has penned right alongside some 7000 drawings to make it still more graphic.

This book and a piece of cord will open a new and challenging world of practical adventure to readers of all ages. There are many distinctive features to this informal encyclopedia. Outstanding are the delightful sketches and illustrations by the author that enliven every page. Mr. Ashley, a prominent marine artist, is at his best here. Sailors have been the greatest experimenters with rope, but since they have no monopoly on the art, the author describes knots used in over ninety other occupations. These range alphabetically from Archer to Yachtsman, and aesthetically from Florist to Hangman.

The forty-one chapters include knots classed under such general types as "Hooks, Beckets, and Toggles," "The Noose," and "Tricks and Puzzles." Mr. Ashley has devoted eleven years to writing this book, and it is based on forty years of looking for, trying out, and thinking up new knots. His drawings abound in humor and the text is full of colorful anecdotes. The Ashley Book of Knots will make a unique and permanent addition to any library.

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Average customer rating based on 2 comments:
Albert Gauche, October 16, 2009 (view all comments by Albert Gauche)
The "Bible" of knot tying books. This reference is a must have for any and all knotting enthusiasts. The most current edition was updated by Mr. Budworth with the help of Ashley's daughter in the early-mid 1990s. It has everything that is even remotely useful and many knots that are just fun to know as well. It's a big book that is hard to carry around effectively so I recommend it as a desk reference not a field or backpack book.
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Todd Ellner, January 7, 2009 (view all comments by Todd Ellner)
This is the definitive work in the field. Clifford Ashley spent over a decade researching and writing his book, and it is still the best there is. Knot tyers refer to knots according to his numbering saying things like "Ashley #447" or even just "#447". The book is pricey, but if you're interested in the subject this is the one volume that needs to be on your bookshelf.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780385040259
Author:
Ashley, Clifford
Publisher:
Doubleday Books
Location:
New York
Subject:
General
Subject:
Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering
Subject:
Sailing
Subject:
Knots and splices
Subject:
Sailing - General
Copyright:
Series Volume:
510
Publication Date:
June 1944
Binding:
Hardcover
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Y
Pages:
640
Dimensions:
11.28x8.74x1.65 in. 4.03 lbs.

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