This is probably the most important book on the subject, and has more knots listed than any other book. 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of more than 3,900 different knotspresented through 7,000 illustrationsthe art of knot tying lives on, both as a historical reference and. Knots in books and articles around the world are frequently referenced back to ashleys book. Clifford ashley the ashley book of knots the most comprehensive resource for knots and ropework ever published. The ashley book of knots is without parallel when it comes to knot tying. Things like 764 amsteel, paracord, dynaglide, and various other 15mm 3mm varieties. You will find that almost all of them are very secure. He gives an interesting explanation of the revival of interest in knots, on land and sea which is that the radio supplies entertainment while leaving hands free for other. Posted by professional tree climber on 3232015 to tree climbing gear. Then you get to issues of yes, the author has been dead for 80 years, but the guy who wrote the preface to the third edition is still alive, and the illustrator has only been dead for 60. Youll start the blood knot by overlapping the two lines, and wrapping one free end around the other line five or six times. Climbing knots to secure yourself to an anchor, carabiner. 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.
First published in 1944, it was the culmination of over 11 years of work. The knot can be slid up and down the standing end but when tightened holds securely. In this short video i ramble a bit on the rumors of the ashley book of knots becoming public domain. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. Im hoping for advice from you expert hangers in finding the best book of knots. This selection is based on consultation with tree climbers and, in particular, jeff jepsons books for arborists 1, 2. 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. Historyedit first called constrictor knot in clifford ashleys 1944 work the ashley book of knots, this knot likely dates back much further. 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. They can be lifesaving in critical situations and are instrumental in your ascent and descent. Jamming i think its when a knot is hard to undo once it is tightened heavily. Precisely named and classified some new ones for the first time officially, they can be easily found in the big index.
The ashley book of knots books, knots guide, knots. I used a bowline tied with paracord to hang a swing from one of my trees for my toddler son. The ashley book of knots will make a unique and permanent addition to any library. Did you know, according to the ashley book of knots, there are over 4,000. Mouse over the name of the knot below to see a description of that knot. First published in 1944, and reprinted many times since then, the latest reissue of this magnificent book contains, for the first time, fully. Constrictor knot historyedit first called constrictor knot in clifford ashleys 1944 work the ashley book of knots, this knot likely dates back much further. 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. Ashleys book of knots in pdf my understanding is that for written works the expires 75 years after the death of the author. Ashley is the definitive and magnificent work on knots and knottying.
Ashley and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. Lanyard hitch though has a similar look, it bears a difference in the way it is tied. We would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. The simple act of tying a knot is an adventure in unlimited space an excursion that is limited only by the scope of our own. His drawings abound in humor and the text is full of colorful anecdotes. The weavers of eternity paracord tutorials 23,085 views.
Mountain and rock climbing knots rock climbing, rappelling and mountaineering require you to have a sound knowledge of basic climbing knots since you need to work with ropes extensively. Im looking for a knot or lashing to hang a swing from a somewhat horizontal tree branch that has a loop so i can hook the swing into and wont damage my tree. In the ashley book of knots, clifford ashley wrote. The ashley book of knots is an encyclopedia of knots written and illustrated by the american artist clifford w. After a few days of use, it appears to be damaging the bark. Wrap the other line the same number of times five or six, and tuck the free end back between the two lines in the opposite direction of the other free end of the line. More information about this seller contact this seller 5. Editions of the ashley book of knots by clifford w. Hitches, such as the blakes hitch are useful for aerial work in trees. I like to use this stuff for structural purposes, such as bearing. 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. Old sailors will bless ashley for preserving this wonderful lore. A versatile knot, the tautline hitch was even used by astronauts during sts82, the second space shuttle mission to repair the hubble space telescope. The ashley book of knots this book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering.
When macrame became a popular item, i had a definite advantage over most people. You can open the book to nearly any page and read a fascinating story about a knot, a vocation, a way of life, how and why people use knots, the different materials used with knots. Ashley has included almost everything there is to know about them. I first came across the ashley book of knots in the late 60s when i was a teenager. These animated knots are for arborists and other treeclimbers.
We use ashleys choice midshipmans hitch but also show the name taut. It references some 3800 knots with over 7000 handdrawn diagrams. A 52page chapter describes knots used in over 90 occupations, including archer, baker, carpenter, cooper, farmer, fisherman, gardener, tree surgeon, and weaver. Here is a selection of knots for arborists, animated and illustrated. This book and a piece of cord will open a new and challenging world of practical adventure to readers of all ages. And clifford ashley is probably the world authority on the subject, so this should be for experts the definitive book. Strange as it seems to the land lubber, there is a bottomless market for books on knots. Can you imagine what you could do with all those knots. Open library is an initiative of the internet archive, a 501c3 nonprofit, building a digital library of internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form. Ashley book of knots the classic reference, a towering giant. Knot tying used to be the past time of most men on. Clove hitch the 2 half hitches are tied in the same direction girth hitch has a similar appearance but is tied with a sling loop timber hitch needs a greater length of rope uses. As this book was first published in 1944, there are some more recently discovered knots missing from this huge volume, such as the versatackle knot and the zeppelin bend. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far.
The entries include knot instructions, uses, and some histories, categorized by type or function. Ashley book of knots by clifford ashley, hardcover. The ashley book of knots takes us back to a time when knots saved lives and put dinner on the table. Ashley, is the definitive reference work on knots, splices, and ropework in general. I love that he organizes knots according to their functions and the trades that use them. The ashley book of knots was compiled and first published before the introduction of synthetic fiber ropes, during a time when natural fiber cordage typically twisted, laid, or braided rope was most commonly used. Today you have synthetic cordage in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes and textures.
It is typically used for securing tent lines in outdoor activities involving camping, by arborists when climbing trees, for tying down aircraft, for creating adjustable moorings in tidal areas, and to secure loads on vehicles. See all 17 formats and editions hide other formats and editions. Im a visual learner even when i read, and for something such as knots, i put illustrations as top priority. Published in 1944, this book is still the number one reference to all things knotting. Born in 1881 in new bedford, massachusetts, clifford w. The ashley book of knots by ashley clifford w abebooks.
A useful summary of the history, the names, and the related knots can be found on wikipedia. Describes every practical knot, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to tie it. Whether out at sea or in a pioneer cabin, knots were a part of daily life, one that is nearly lost today. How to tie 200 practical knots, by geoffrey budworth and jason dalton. The knots in the section are based on jepsons must know list, but we also included the beer knot because of its unique ability to create a closed ring, and the sliding double.
976 566 390 1521 1522 1141 585 873 258 478 1473 38 1305 1005 749 491 156 1436 1073 1040 492 104 1428 801 134 646 615 1387 544 211 432 725 1496 1554 837 210 791 1117 1195 428 91 703 322