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

Clifford's Knots is the definitive bible of knot tying. If you are interested in tying knots, then this is the only book you'll ever need...but keep a close eye because they tend to disappear (read my son and nephew both snagged one, so I'm down 3 now. This book may SEEM expensive but the value is there!

The book was just what I'd been looking for. I borrowed it once from a friend's mom and loved it. And here it is, same 1944 edition, in perfect condition.

I recommend this book for anyone who loves sailing. Having this book on your shelf is a help in remembering and learning new tricks and variations of something as basic as it is fun, such as tying nautical knots.

If there's any knot that has been invented in this world, it is in this book. This is the ultimate reference on such.

This was a gift to my friend who loves knots and called this the Bible of Knot books! He highly recommends this book!

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.

Amazing source of info. I admit I use the internet now…

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..