Clifford Ashley (1881–1947)

As a craftsman Maker there are books that get handled again and again...The Ashley Book of Knots is indispensable for it's discourse on the colonial trades and various places where knots were and are still employed. Lifting and rigging are still practiced broadly in industry and these livings traditions keep many of the knots in use. The Clove Hitch and its many names...The Sheet Bend and others are essential 1st principle skills in the traditional crafts...Knowing the knots and their show more applications marks a transition in a craftsperson's practice and skill.
I watched many apprentice Operating Engineers wash out of programs just because of the inability to tie a simple knot in the right place...The Bowline Knot sends them back to the Labor Gang most often...Easy to add to the library, watch for them used and well worn for just a few dollars. All of my Nieces and Nephews get a copy... show less

This is the most complete book on knots you will find. However, it is not the best guide on how to tie knots. It's organized by various tradesmen and the knots that they would use.

If you plan to buy a copy be sure to look it over. I have found numerous copies with badly printed pages.

This is my desert island book. It has everything: useful information, stories, humour, excellent diagrams and amusing drawings. And it's the most comprehensive book on knots there is.

This book is enormous and comprehensive. An old-school reference work.