It is considered by some to be the most complete reference of knots ever assembled. The ashley book of knots project gutenberg selfpublishing. The ashley book of knots every practical knot what it looks like, who uses it, where it comes from, and how to tie it, with over 7,000 drawings representing 3900 knots. He differentiates between a hitch, which fastens a rope to. Ashley spent years looking for and trying out existing and new knottying combinations, and not only in the nautical world. This book uses drawings to show how to tie the knots. But in this attractive, wellorganized archive of more than 3,900 different knots presented through 7,000 illustrationsthe art of knot tying lives on, both as a historical reference and.
Credited to clifford ashley, this knot is very dependable and can be untied even after heavy loading. Nearly threequarters of a century later, ashleys book. Another example of this would be the triple fishermans knot which is now recommended for uhmwpe and other super fiber ropes. The entries include knot instructions, uses, and some histories, categorized by type or function. Describes every practical knot, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to tie it. Abok the ashley book of knots, clifford ashley doubleday books, 1944 isbn 0385040253 the old testament of knotting efkr the encyclopedia of knots and fancy ropework, raoul graumont and john hensel cornell maritime press, 1943 isb. Every practical knotwhat it looks, who uses it, where it comes from, and how to tie it.
I have seen copies of this book on ebay, and it is. Ashley describes every practical knot, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to tie it. Form a loop at the end of one rope, preparing to tie it into an overhand knot. His drawings abound in humor and the text is full of colorful anecdotes. Ashley book of knots by clifford ashley, hardcover.
When macrame became a popular item, i had a definite advantage over most people. If the wouldbe reader is told that close to 4000 knots are written up in this book, each with one or more illustrations, and explanations of how to tie them, he will probably think it is a dry encyclopedia. The ashley book of knots abok clifford warren ashley is famous for his stunning 1944 compilation the ashley book of knots doubleday new york a reference manual of thousands of knots with excellent diagrams. This book and a piece of cord will open a new and challenging world of practical adventure to readers of all ages. The book contains more than 3800 numbered entries and an estimated 7000 illustrations.
Ashley book of knots by clifford ashley, hardcover barnes. The ashley book of knots this book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The ashley book of knots takes us back to a time when knots saved lives and put dinner on the table. 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. The ultimate knot book is called the ashley book of knots by clifford w. The ashley book of knots the white whale at the new. Ashley stopper knot how to tie a ashley stopper knot using.
Today you have synthetic cordage in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes and textures. Ashley had a keen sense of history and the book is filled with not only the history of individual knots, but the history of trades and how they utilized knots. The book includes 4,000 knots, with all the varieties of shipboard knots as well as knots used by butchers, steeplejacks, electric linesmen, knitters, cobblers, surgeons, poachers and cowboys. Hopkins in messing about in boats magazine, june 2009.
But in this attractive, wellorganized archive of more than 3,900 different knotspresented through 7,000 illustrationsthe art of knot tying lives on, both as a historical reference and. Clifford warren ashley is famous for his stunning 1944 compilation the ashley book of knots doubleday new york a reference manual of thousands of knots with excellent diagrams. In the beginning of the book ashley tells about tools used to tie knots ands gives general instructions for tying knots. Ashley who whos epic masterpiece the ashley book of knots is basically the bible of. Ashley stopper knot how to tie a ashley stopper knot. Nearly threequarters of a century later, ashley s book. First published in 1944, it was the culmination of over 11 years of work. Ashley uses the word knot to include knots, lashings, splices, braidings and other ways to tie ropes, cords, string and other such materials. No comparable book has been published since and it remains the. The ashley book of knots the ashley book of knots 1993 edition publisher. But in this attractive, wellorganized archive of more than 3,900 different knotspresented through 7,000 illustrationsthe art of knot tying lives on, both as a historical. The ashley book of knots or abok as knot aficionados refer to it is a620page compilation of every knot known to man. It describes over 3900 of them in detailed text and some 7000 drawings.
I first came across the ashley book of knots in the late 60s when i was a teenager. The book contains exactly 3854 numbered entries and an estimated 7000 illustrations. Doubleday isbn 0385040253 this is the definitive book on knots. Some of the knots now used as standard climbing knots, such as the flemish bend, were considered by ashley to be excessively bulky or overly difficult to tie. The ashley book of knots books, knots guide, 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. Ashley has included almost everything there is to know about them. Download the ashley book of knots pdf ebook read online 2335. The ashley book of knots is an encyclopedia of knots written and illustrated by the american artist clifford w. Ashley, is the definitive reference work on knots, splices, and ropework in general. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. Featuring every practical knot, what it looks like, who uses it, where it comes from and how to tie it.
First published in 1944, and reprinted many times since then, the latest reissue of this magnificent book contains, for the. Product information the ashley book of knots is the definitive reference for information on how to tie knots for any purpose. Mr ashley has included almost everything there is to know about them. Born in 1881 in new bedford, massachusetts, clifford w. Another example of this would be the triple fishermans knot which is now recommended. Media in category the ashley book of knots the following 7 files are in this category, out of 7 total. The ashley book of knots is an encyclopedia of knots written and illustrated by the american. It explains why sailors tie decorative knots, why some knots are strong, why some knots are easy to untie, why knots tied by certain tradesmen have to have special characteristics. Pdf ashley book of knots download full pdf book download. The ashley book of knots will make a unique and permanent addition to any library. Published in 1944, the book was written by author clifford ashley, a sailor and artist, and this book contains directions on tying more than 3,000 knots. Ashleys stopper knot this knot may save your life if you.
If you are into knots, practical or decorative, then this is a fantastic book of reference. Ashley is the definitive and magnificent work on knots and knottying. Knots in books and articles around the world are frequently referenced back to ashleys book. Ashley who whos epic masterpiece the ashley book of knots is basically the bible of knot tying. 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. About 200 knots and contrivances, so no ashleys book of knots, but a decent flip through and try book. The ashley book of knots the white whale at the new bedford. Ashleys description is that the knot has three rim parts, and these are quite symmetrical when viewed from the underside. Precisely named and classified, they can be easily found in the big index. Here are approximately 3900 different kinds, from simple hitches to marlingspike seamanship. The united states congress repeals prohibition, works begins on the golden gate bridge, hollywoods king kong is premiered in new york. Clifford ashley, a sailor with an eye for a vanishing art, collected knots all his life and eventually wrote this, the ultimate book of knots.
The commentary on some knots may fail to address their behavior when tied with modern synthetic fiber or kernmantle style ropes. Download the ashley book of knots pdf ebook read online. How to identify, tie, and untie over 80 essential knots for outdoor pursuits. Ashley was an antique dealer and artist, who spent eleven years writing his magnum opus, the ashley book of knots, and died three years after its 1944 publication. The book includes 4000 knots, with all the varieties of shipboard knots as. Asley back in the 1940s when knows ment more then they do today. For learning the basics, the website animated knots by grog is one of the best starting points. Ashleys bend how tie the ashleys bend knot all knots.
1256 1191 605 1306 686 42 219 821 648 414 1248 281 652 1322 1185 1246 1548 1220 1178 277 215 1009 454 447 1322 895 876 1019 440 528 807 888