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The Ashley Book of Knots Hardcover – Illustrated, January 1, 1993

by Clifford W. Ashley (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,311 ratings
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This is the definitive book on knots. Here are approximately 3900 different kinds, from simple hitches to “Marlinspike 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. 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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Previous page
  1. Print length
    619 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Doubleday
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 1993
  5. Dimensions
    8.82 x 1.67 x 11.16 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0385040253
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0385040259
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

3,900 knots and 7,000 illustrations

discover the history of each knot and best uses

open a new world of practical adventure

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of more than 3,900 different knots--presented through 7,000 illustrations--the art of knot tying lives on, both as a historical reference and a reservoir of handy knowledge.

Review

‘‘The Ashley Book of Knots’ is regarded as the Bible of knot-tyers.... But “The Ashley Book” is no nostalgia trip. It’s too punchy — too cheerful and too well-written. Like the best cookbooks or collections of movie reviews, it’s a great dip-in read: Sit down at the breakfast table, flip the book open to any page, and you’ll find an appetizing morsel to gnaw on." —The New York Times

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Doubleday; First Edition (January 1, 1993)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 619 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0385040253
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0385040259
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.8 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.82 x 1.67 x 11.16 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,311 ratings

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Clifford W. Ashley

Clifford W. Ashley

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
1,311 global ratings
A great reference
5 Stars
A great reference
Great for any knot enthusiast.I read a review that said that there was an error, and the midshipman's knot is mislabeled and should be a taut-line hitch?They're the same knot. Do some research next time lol
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Top reviews from the United States

mg
5.0 out of 5 stars A great reference
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
Great for any knot enthusiast.

I read a review that said that there was an error, and the midshipman's knot is mislabeled and should be a taut-line hitch?

They're the same knot. Do some research next time lol
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mg
5.0 out of 5 stars A great reference
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024
Great for any knot enthusiast.

I read a review that said that there was an error, and the midshipman's knot is mislabeled and should be a taut-line hitch?

They're the same knot. Do some research next time lol
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One person found this helpful
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G. Chapman
5.0 out of 5 stars The "Knot Bible" Indeed
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2013
Verified Purchase
So what's the big deal about knots, you say? For the majority of human history (prior to industrialization and assembly line pre-packaged pre-sized made-to-fit idiot-proof modern conveniences that we've become so dependent on) life would have been impossible without knots. The ability to tie knots ranks right up there with fire and the wheel in terms of its impact on human progress. In short, nothing in modern society, indeed, arguably society itself, would have been possible without knots.

ABOK provides easy access to virtually every knot ever used to any significant degree by human beings in our entire history. (Let THAT one sink in for a second!) Yes, there have been a handful of knots invented since ABOK that one may find very useful - but those are few and far between. ABOK contains literally thousands of knots, each of which explained in clear illustrations and language. And surprisingly, despite its massive content, finding a knot you need is usually pretty straightforward. Plus - and in my opinion one of the real pleasures of this book - Ashley provides a virtual historical encyclopedia of almost every knot (for example, where they originated, intended and best uses, relative strength, etc.).

However, ABOK represents more than simply a reference for finding a knot to tie your lures or anchoring a tent stake - it represents one man's life and passion beautifully and painstakingly documented in a form that others can relate to and appreciate - a pure and honest contribution to the subject for no other reason than his love for it. If you've ever thought about doing something meaningful with your life and time and having that effort remembered, you can appreciate why this book truly deserves the term "legacy".

Every so often a single person contributes so significantly within a given field or subject that their work becomes the reference and standard by which all other contributors are judged. ABOK represents an example of that phenomenon. If you're interested at all in knot tying, do yourself a favor and get this book. It's worth the price. You'll not only get THE reference and undisputed authoritative standard within the subject, you'll get a work of true historical importance - one that you'll probably use and read for the rest of your life. Very few books I've encountered earn such a claim.
58 people found this helpful
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JM
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Reference
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book is an amazing learning resource and reference. Got it because I was tired of bad YouTube videos, and let me tell you - zero regret. I'm learning more and learning better with this book.

You'll need to get the hang of how Ashley organizes things, and be prepared to check the index and a couple candidate sections if you're exploring a topic and/or looking for something specific. For instance, is a noose tied in the bight in the chapter on the noose, or in the chapter on knots tied in the bight? (The noose). What about a single loop tied in the bight? (Knots tied in the bight). Seizing techniques are described in Practical Marlinespike Seamanship at the end of the book, when I'd have had them at the beginning.

There have been a few times when a term definition was hard to find. There are some very exquisite, decorative knots for which Ashley leaves you diagrams without over/under markings, which you derive either from rules or from looking up other knots in other chapters. He uses as few diagrams as possible to describe any given knot - you may have to study an image carefully.

If you're looking for step by step guides for beginners, this ain't it. The learning curve is steep, but if you're looking aheady considering a desk reference of knots, you'll probably find it worth it.
12 people found this helpful
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penmanship
5.0 out of 5 stars If you seriously like to nerd out over knots, this is a must have
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2023
Verified Purchase
It's a classic. There are a small number of knots that were developed in the decades since this was written, but it's encyclopedic up to that point.

The presentation with hand-drawn sketches is charming and engaging. A great gift for some who is into knots.
3 people found this helpful
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Greg
5.0 out of 5 stars Book arrived on time and as expected
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
Book arrived on time and as expected
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NostraEd
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing compendium of knots
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2022
Verified Purchase
The drawings and instructions are not always clear, but it is entertaining to figure it out. If you intend to use the knots for rock climbing or anything important, please seek out a professional. Experience trumps any book.

The condition of my book is somewhat less than expected.. Amazon did send it in a box not a bag, but the extra space allowed the books movement to damage the dust cover. I own a copy, but this was going to be a gift. The copy I bought used ten years ago is in better condition than this one. It seems that the heat here in Las Vegas makes the people at Amazon apathetic. Yes, Amazon is great about fixing problems, but I spent 45 minutes on the phine this morning on an epic fail. They did fix it.

I guess I will request another one of these and hope for the best. The copy I received today is not gift quality. The contents of the book is something that should be deep underground preserved with other works of art and artifacts.
5 people found this helpful
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Andrew Olivier
4.0 out of 5 stars The Standard Knot Reference; Nice Illustrations; Cryptic Knot Descriptions
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
When I researched knots for rock climbing, this book kept coming up as the standard reference for all things knot tying. So, I bought a copy to look up knot references on my own. Ashley's descriptions of knots turned out to be not much more informative than what I could learn on my own. It is useful as a dictionary of different names for the same knot though. The illustrations make this a nice decorative book for my bookshelf. I would buy it more for its decorative value than for its usefulness in learning new knots.
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RIMAS MELESHYUS
5.0 out of 5 stars Just received today from the post office. Great book to learning knots 3,900 .Many thanks .
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2023
Verified Purchase
Wonderful book and recommend for all the sailors . So in details and easy to read .The book so big takes time to lear all the knots how to do. This is professional book . Amazing good quality book. I m so happy to order this good book.Amazon great place to buy everything ,thanks
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Client d'Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Livre pour connaitre tous les noeuds de corde.
Reviewed in Canada on February 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
Livre très utile pour apprendre à faire des nœuds de corde ou de câble pouvant être utilisés couramment.
Très bien expliqué, les dessins se comprennent bien. Let's get knotting !
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Raquel
5.0 out of 5 stars Livro completo
Reviewed in Brazil on September 26, 2023
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Livro completo
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nathalie hospital
5.0 out of 5 stars Tb
Reviewed in France on January 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
Cadeau sui a beaucoup plu .
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Erik Marsk
5.0 out of 5 stars THE knots bible.
Reviewed in Italy on February 7, 2020
Verified Purchase
Every knot enthusiast should own this book.

It's HUGE, covering an impressive variety of knots - and more - from the most useful to the purely ornamental. Each knot is explained with a beautiful and clear hand-drawn diagram and a concise text. The extra introductory and commentary text is very interesting and shine a light not just on the practicalities but also on the historical context.
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Erik Marsk
5.0 out of 5 stars THE knots bible.
Reviewed in Italy on February 7, 2020
Every knot enthusiast should own this book.

It's HUGE, covering an impressive variety of knots - and more - from the most useful to the purely ornamental. Each knot is explained with a beautiful and clear hand-drawn diagram and a concise text. The extra introductory and commentary text is very interesting and shine a light not just on the practicalities but also on the historical context.
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J. Matías G.
5.0 out of 5 stars La Biblia de los Nudos
Reviewed in Spain on October 23, 2014
Verified Purchase
Hay algunos nudos que llevan el nombre de Ashley, no es casualidad.
Es difícil que nadie vaya a superar a Clifford Ashley en su dedicación a los nudos, que además enriquece con sus dibujos.
Este libro no sólo muestra como se hace cada nudo, cuenta las historias de algunos, revela la relación entre nudos que parecen dispares y terminan siendo el mismo...
Yo me creía un buen aficionado sin tener este libro en mi biblioteca, iluso de mi. No entras de verdad en el mundo de los nudos si no tienes este libro en tu biblioteca.
Es caro, sí, no es para aficionados baratos.
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