The Ashley Book of Knots
by Clifford W. Ashley
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Book Reviews of The Ashley Book of Knots
Book Review: A BOOK FOR KNOTTING KNERDS
Summary: 5 Stars
Clifford Ashley takes you to the heart and soul of knotting. The magic of the intertwining of line was a passion to this man -- and that passion can infect you, if you're susceptible.
In the course of his descriptions of knots, he takes us through some of the history of knotting -- his references go back to the 1700's. Mainly, this art is descended from the square-rigger seafaring trade. Mr. Ashley knows the language of these sailors.
Although written in the first half of the 20th century, this is still THE authoratative book on knots.
Thousands of knots, thousands of pictures. Knots, from practical hard-working specimens, to purely decorative; to even a few useless knots. Self-illustrated with occasional bytes of humor.
This is "the" book if you have a love of knotting; if knotting is a part of who you are.
However, if all you want is to quickly learn a few knots for very practical reasons, you'd probably be better off with one of the more modern knotting books, which usually have clearer explanations for the layman, replete with pretty color photos. Newer texts would also have recently-invented knots, such as the amazing icicle knot.
Book Review: THE ONE AND ONLY
Summary: 5 Stars
I have owned Ashley's book for over 4 decades and have found it to be the bible of knot books. All other knot books I have read pale in comparison. I still find myself refering to it for a specific knot in an application.
As some reviewers have noted, there is some repitition. There are a couple reasons for this; 1) some knots covered are combinations of other knots; and, 2) Ashley not only explains how the knot is tied, but also different vocations/instances where the knot was traditionally used, which are in different sections of the book.
Another critical issue brought up by some reviewer's is the the appear's to be geared toward those with previous knot tieing experience. True, there are some very complex knots and rope work contained with the pages, in fact quite a bit. However, the book begins with the basics, such as a simple overhand knot and moves on from there.
Of particular note is the use of drawings as opposed to photograph's, making the illustrations easy to follow.
If you're looking for an all inclusive, easy to follow book of knots, this the only one you will ever need.
Book Review: No other knot book compares. It's the knot bible.
Summary: 5 Stars
I'd always had an interest in knot tying. I guess it came from childhood and not being able to be in the Boy Scouts. I don't know exactly. All I know is a year or so ago I decided I wanted to learn how to tie as many knots as possible. With the internet at my fingertips I went on a search for a book of knowledge. It didn't take me long to find out about The Ashley Book of Knots. I didn't buy the book at the time because I got sidetracked with something else. One day not too long ago the interest in knot-tying came back to me. I was at a book store and just had to take a look. I ended up buying an inferior book to get started, but soon my thirst for something more led me back to holy grail of knot tying (this book). I decided to look it up in the local library and did find a copy, but it is reference only. I eagerly searched for the book on the shelves and spotted it. When I opened the book it was like angels sang and the sky opened up. This is truly the bible of knot tying. I made up my mind then and there, as I turned the pages reverently, that I must own this book. Mine's on order now.Book Review: Corner Stone of Knot Tying
Summary: 5 Stars
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This is the finest book ever written on the subject of Knots and how to tie them. If you work with rope or lines in any capacity, this book MUST be in your reference library. ABOK - as we knot geeks call it - has directions for and illustrations of thousands of knots and references on how they are meant to be used; any duplications are due to the versatility of the knot and it being applied in various applications.
Clifford Ashley was born and raised at the end of the era of canvas sail. Steam was taking over, the industrial revolution was in full stride and the arts and skill of true seamanship were beginning to fade. The commercial fishing trade was the last hold out of the old ways and Mr. Ashley, and artist by trade, was assigned to write and article on whaling. This assignment coupled with his growing up in coastal Massachusetts, started him on the work for which he is best known. The Ashley Book of Knots.
If you are only interested in nautical history, this book is still an excellent option.
Book Review: A book for the serious student ,or lover, of knots
Summary: 5 Stars
Before opening this book, few people would have known how well developed the subject of knots is. This "tome" exhaustively covers nearly every kind of knot from the decorative to the practical. It includes historical background on the origin of each knot and detailed instructions on how to tie them. The book is very well organized sorting knots into families and by type of use. The illustrations are clear, comprehensive and easy to follow.
Whether you are interested in the history of knots, or in need of the right knot for a specific job, this book is filled with a wealth of information to suit your interest. This version appears to be essentially a facsimile of the original 1944 publication, which gives it a bit of a historical quality. This only adds to its charm as this book is so well presented that it is every bit as relevant today as when it first came out.