The Ashley Book of Knots

Product Information

This is--of course--the bible of knot books. What it does not have is information about modern synthetic ropes and specialized knots that have been developed for them.

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.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. 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. This is a lovely book written by a lovely man who cared enough about the world to share this work, which took him at least eleven years to create. The 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.

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.

The original knot reference book, from the 1940s. This is probably the most important book on the subject, and has more knots listed than any other book.

The Knotting Matters issues cited in the above Knot News article are: KM1, KM28, KM31, KM32, and KM33. Although Ashley was an esteemed painter, the cover illustration was painted by George Giguere. It shows a sailor displaying a Tom fool's knot. This is the go-to reference for knots. It is the book that other books reference. The infamous Square Knot is frequently referred to as ABOK #1402 by other books. Almost any knot of antiquity can be found in this book.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. All sailors know the significance of knots in their day-to-day lives. Whether you operate a dinghy boat or a full-blown yacht, you can’t get by without tying things around to maintain your ship. This book aims to be all-inclusive for that demographic in particular. It guides them through the basic knots, useful hitches, canvas work, hand-sewing, and the art of splicing — all of which are key tools for any sailor. 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. 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 981-02-2469-9 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.