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

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,359 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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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of more than 3,900 different knots--presented through 7,000 illustrations--the art of knot tying lives on, both as a historical reference and a reservoir of handy knowledge.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 ‏ : ‎ 3.85 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.92 x 1.67 x 11.14 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,359 ratings

About the author

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Clifford W. Ashley
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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
1,359 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book has a comprehensive and detailed collection of knots and rope work. It provides informative instructions and excellent diagrams for learning knots. The historical content is interesting and well-presented. Many consider it a great reference book worth buying and a classic tome.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

155 customers mention "Knots knowledge"142 positive13 negative

Customers find the book helpful for learning knots. They describe it as a comprehensive reference that catalogs every knot imaginable. Readers mention it's cited in many other knotting books and is organized from basic to advanced knots.

"...ABOK provides easy access to virtually every knot ever used to any significant degree by human beings in our entire history...." Read more

"...It has every knot u can think of, sailing,camping and bushcrafting,everything !! GET IT...! Now u Amazon has it on sale $41.78.." Read more

"Very well done. Best knot book I have ever seen." Read more

"...There are some very exquisite, decorative knots for which Ashley leaves you diagrams without over/under markings, which you derive either from rules..." Read more

94 customers mention "Information quality"94 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides good information and illustrations. They say it's a great reference with useful instructions and diagrams. The book is described as informative and comprehensive, providing a little background on knots. It is also considered a learning resource and encyclopedia for maritime topics.

"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...." Read more

"If you're interested in a hobby that's peaceful, challenging, manly, and cool, then the knots Bible is for you. This book is a timeless classic." Read more

"...occurs as you continue to dip into this book: it becomes less of an instructional manual and more of an epic journey that began thousands of years..." Read more

"...Ashley's narrative regarding history is priceless. I have been enjoying very much just picking a spot in the book and reading for awhile...." Read more

50 customers mention "Illustrations"50 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the illustrations in the book. They find the line drawings and diagrams clear, with large illustrations for knots. The book has 4,000 illustrations to help understand the structure of math in form. It's described as a nice piece to display on a bookshelf and consult when needed.

"...literally thousands of knots, each of which explained in clear illustrations and language...." Read more

"...The illustrations make this a nice decorative book for my bookshelf...." Read more

"This ashley book of knots is in immaculate shape and quality. Will purchase again! Thanks" Read more

"...the history of knots the work of Clifford Ashley is a nice piece to display on a bookshelf and consult when the weather advises to stay home rather..." Read more

32 customers mention "Value for money"26 positive6 negative

Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They say it's worth the price and a good transaction. However, some have issues with the book being too expensive.

"...It's worth the price...." Read more

"...subject, and was a true historian, so from that perspective the book is worth buying. I have two criticisms:..." Read more

"...content and overall information given is very generous and well worth the cost." Read more

"...Well worth the somewhat high price if you are a knot enthusiast. A must have book for your library." Read more

31 customers mention "Historical content"28 positive3 negative

Customers find the historical content interesting and informative. They describe the book as a timeless classic that provides the origins and uses of knots.

"...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..." Read more

"This book gives a great introduction into the history and terminology of knots, and is referenced by other websites like animated knots." Read more

"Great, well-known book on subject" Read more

"...This book is a timeless classic." Read more

21 customers mention "Book content"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content comprehensive and complete. They say it's a great reference and a must-have addition to their library. The book is concise and easy to follow, making it a must-have for knot enthusiasts.

"Great reference book for anyone into tying knots. It's a must-have. Book has a quality feel." Read more

"...There is no other book that is nearly so comprehensive or contains as much history and information...." Read more

"...All in one book, the life's work of one brilliant and dedicated man. Stunning. If I lose this book I will buy another copy...." Read more

"If you are at all serious about knots, this is a mandatory addition to your library I have been teaching knots to Scouts for decades, and consider..." Read more

14 customers mention "Library value"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a valuable addition to their libraries. They say it's a classic tome for knotting libraries, an excellent book for Boy/Girl Scout libraries, and a great book to have on the coffee stand. The book is well-written and unique, providing useful information about knots and the history behind them.

"...Would be a nice addition for any sailor's library or a nice coffee table book for similar tradesman or hobbyist." Read more

"...serious packing, climbing, rope work, then this would be a great addition to your library. The original publishing date is several decades old...." Read more

"...A must have in your personal library; learn the knots, read the history behind them or just enjoy reading an fantasizing about becoming a master of..." Read more

"...A must have book for your library." Read more

58 customers mention "Ease of follow"37 positive21 negative

Customers have different views on the book's instructions. Some find the diagrams and instructions easy to understand, providing detailed information on how to form each knot and its best use. Others mention the drawings and instructions are not always clear, with few step-by-step instructions and complex drawings that seem difficult to understand. The learning curve seems steep for some readers.

"...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..." Read more

"...Even though it starts out simply, it is not a book for beginners...." Read more

"...The learning curve is steep, but if you're looking aheady considering a desk reference of knots, you'll probably find it worth it." Read more

"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...." Read more

Great reference and fun to read!
5 out of 5 stars
Great reference and fun to read!
Great reference book for anyone into tying knots. It's a must-have. Book has a quality feel.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2013
    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.
    66 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024
    Didn't realize how much information is in this book. A lot bigger too in size, I thought it was a handbook it's a big Ole BOOK ! It has every knot u can think of, sailing,camping and bushcrafting,everything !!
    GET IT...! Now u Amazon has it on sale $41.78..
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Plenty of illustrations...
    Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024
    Didn't realize how much information is in this book. A lot bigger too in size, I thought it was a handbook it's a big Ole BOOK ! It has every knot u can think of, sailing,camping and bushcrafting,everything !!
    GET IT...! Now u Amazon has it on sale $41.78..
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2024
    Great reference book for anyone into tying knots. It's a must-have. Book has a quality feel.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference and fun to read!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2024
    Great reference book for anyone into tying knots. It's a must-have. Book has a quality feel.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2024
    Very well done. Best knot book I have ever seen.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2022
    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.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2024
    This book gives a great introduction into the history and terminology of knots, and is referenced by other websites like animated knots.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2024
    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.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2024
    This was a gift to my friend who loves knots and called this the Bible of Knot books! He highly recommends this book!

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Raquel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Livro completo
    Reviewed in Brazil on September 26, 2023
    Livro completo
  • Cicero
    5.0 out of 5 stars Das Standardwerk der Knoten
    Reviewed in Germany on June 25, 2022
    DAS Buch für jeden Knotenenthusiasten. Falls jemand wie ich überlegt hat das: Graumont, R: Encyclopedia of Knots and Fancy Ropework zu kaufen, kauft lieber das Ashley Book of Knots. Ja es ist teuer, aber sein Geld wirklich wert. Wenn man sich etwas mit Knoten beschäftigt (wer kauft sonst das Buch?) der wird die Zeichnungen in Ashley's Buch viel verständlicher finden als Photos.

    Weil es in anderen Rezensionen kam, dass wohl jeder wichtige Knoten in dem Buch steht: Zumindest einer meiner Lieblingsknoten ist nicht drin, der Kalmückenknoten den ich meist statt einem Palstek (bowline) verwende. Jedem Knotenfreund sei dieser zusätzlich wärmstens ans Herz gelegt.
  • steven
    5.0 out of 5 stars An all knot workers must have
    Reviewed in Canada on January 20, 2020
    For as long as I can remember my father has always had the Ashley Book of Knots, though his was "Ashley's Big Book of Knots"as it got rebound twice. And only recently have I thought to have my own copy, as it has many common, and not so common knots, as well as some extra notes on them. I am quite estactic to now have my own copy, and look forward to learning more knots, and about knotwork.
  • 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.
    Customer image
    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.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
  • LT
    5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable
    Reviewed in France on November 10, 2018
    Idéal pour les passionnés et les professionnels des noeuds, ce livre est indispensable. Extrêmement complet, il nécessite néanmoins une connaissance préalable des noeuds de base, sans quoi il sera plus difficile de le comprendre.
    Cette édition en anglais nécessite également une bonne compréhension de la langue.
    Je le recommande néanmoins fortement, tant il est exhaustif et permet de développer sa connaissance des noeuds spécifiques à tous les métiers.