The Ashley Book of Knots

[TreeMuggs]

Published in 1944, this is the Bible of knots. Clifford Ashley took notes on knots for over 40 years of his life, and then labored for over 11 years to produce the most comprehensive reference of knots and ropework ever written.

 

With almost 4000 knots, his work covers basically every type of hitch, bend, stopper knot, lashing, binding knot, and running knot that you can imagine, as well as decorative and fancy knots, trick and puzzle knots, sinnets, marlingspike, and 3-strand splices, among many, many others. This book is exhaustive, and a testament to a devotion and drive to produce something that would stand the test of time. In addition to showing you how to tie the knots, which were all painstakingly illustrated by the author, Ashley helps to explain the history and usage of the knots. The first chapter, ‘On Knots’ is a fascinating look at the history and tools of sailors and ropeworkers – highly recommended reading.

 

From the first chapter:

“To me the simple act of tying a knot is an adventure in unlimited space. A bit of string affords a dimensional latitude that is unique among the entities. For an uncomplicated strand is a palpable object that, for all practical purposes, possesses one dimension only. If we move a single strand in a plane, interlacing it at will, actual objects of beauty and of utility can result in what is practically two dimensions; and if we choose to direct our strand out of this one plane, another dimension is added which provides opportunity for an excursion that is limited only by the scope of our own imagery and the length of the ropemaker’s coil.

What can be more wonderful than that?”

 

Clifford Ashley died in 1947. His book is now in the public domain.

 

Check it out here at EducatedClimber in PDF, with downloadable link.

 

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[Mark J]

Thanks for that.

[Treewolf]

An excellent book, the definitive work on knots. I've had a copy for 30 years or more.

 

As far as I know there was only one knot that he omitted (at least only one useful knot), the Hunter bend, although I think that this was added in the later editions.

 

The book is one of those rare gems of the pre-internet age (when research was much harder), and knots must have been a real passion to Clifford W Ashley.

Edited May 3, 2017 by Treewolf