Essential Knot Books

Those interested in advanced knotting and ropework do no better than these venerable references; Ashley’s is the standard work on knots, bar none. Any serious knot tyer will have a well worn copy in their library.

Clifford W. Ashley describes the history, uses and construction of more than 3,900 different knots–presented through 7,000 carefully hand-drawn illustrations. This invaluable volume is big hardcover book with a quality binding and is well worth the price.

Ashley’s Book of Knots at Amazon

Hervey Garrett Smith’s The Marlinespike Sailor explains key nautical knots both practical and decorative.

Readers will learn how to sew their own ditty bag and canvas bucket, how to splice, make mats, and much more.

Smith’s drawings are unsurpassed in clarity and will guide readers through even the most difficult knotwork with ease. The Marlinspike Sailor at Amazon From The Marlinespike Sailor

The Encycolpedia of Knots and Fancy Rope Work is more semi-official and not as folksy as Ashleys.

Illustrated with photographs it is sometimes easier to follow. Real knot junkies will argue the merits of Ashley over the encyclopedia’s author Raoul Graumont but they will probably have a copy of both.

I find that these two books compliment each other; one may calrify what the other obscures. The Encyclopedia of Knots and Fancy Rope Work at Amazon