An
annotated reading list for Knotters ---
The following is a list of selections that
you might want to check out:
The Alternative Knot Book by Dr. Harry Asher, Nautical Books, London , 93 pages This has several new knots as well as some different ways to tie familiar knots. Worth reading. Price about $11.95
The Art of Knotting and Splicing by Cyrus Lawrence Day, United States Naval Institute, Annapolis, MD. This books has some outstanding knot lore and particularly good step by step photo illustrations with instructions. It is particularly helpful on long turksheads. Current edition is about $30.
The Ashley Book of Knots by Clifford Ashley, Doubleday, New York The ultimate knot book with 7000+ line illustrations, a lot of history, and more than one person can possibly know. This classic from the 40s is a must for every serious knothead. 600 + pages. Price tag about $50.
The Basic Essentials of Knots for the Outdoors by Cliff Jacobsen, ICS Books, Merrillville, IN, 63 pages. This little book has the added feature of showing both left-hand and right-hand versions of several knots. For $5.95 how could you go wrong.
Chapman's Nautical Guides - Knots by Brion Toss, Hearst Marine Books, New York. Well illustrated with good explanations of uses and limitations. Grouped by knot type. Plastic soft cover makes it outdoor durable. About $12.95.
Forty Knots, BSA - Comes with two cords and is convenient to use as a reminder if you already know the knots. Punch a hole in the card to secure the cords between uses.
Knots and How to Tie Them, BSA - A best buy at about 60 cents.
Knots and How to Tie Them by Walter B. Gibson, Wings Books, NY. Originally published as Fell's Official Guide to Knots and How to Tie Them. Appears to be the source for the 40 Knots card and Knots and How to Tie Them booklet. Includes some rope tricks and good line drawings for step by step instruction. About $5 at used book store.
The Knot Book by Geoffrey Budworth, Sterling Publishing , New York, 160 pages Another British knotter with several new things to learn. A good value at $8.95.
Knotcraft - The Practical and Entertaining Art of Tying Knots by Allan & Paulette Macfarlan, Dover Publications, NY. This softcover book is a good general resource, with the special bonus of knot game and lore. 1983 edition was $3.50.
The Morrow Guide to Knots by Mario Bignon and Guido Regazzoni, William Morrow & Co., NY, 255 pages This book translated from the Italian is well illustrated with step by step color photos. Photos are from the tiers perspective. It is like having you own personal instructor. It also shows multiple ways of tying several knots. Price tag $12.95.
The Riggers Apprentice by Brion Toss, International Marine / McGraw-Hill Books, Camden Maine. While oriented to the serious Mariner, there is considerable useful material for the landlubber as well with great illustrations of fancy work, splicing, and rope tricks and lore, whipping and more. Great illustrations and an author with a sense of humor. List at $24.95.
Ropes, Knots, and Slings for Climbers by Walt Wheelock, La Siesta Press, Glendale, CA, 36 pages This little book is aimed at climbers. Well illustrated. $2.50
P.S. Don't forget your Scout Handbook.
All prices are approximate
Jack
Keene - October 1995