Published in 1944, this book is still the number one reference to all things knotting. 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. Ashley suffered a debilitating stroke the year after the book was published. Looking back on the broken strands of his childhood, he tries, at last, to weave them together, aided by his grandfathers copy of the ashley book of knots and the arrival of a wildhaired, tangodancing sculptor a woman with. Featuring every practical knot, what it looks like, who uses it, where it comes from and how to tie it.
Prusik the prusik is a useful friction hitch that slides freely when not weighted, but bites down on the rope when you do weight it. Ashley book of knots by clifford ashley, hardcover. The ashley book of knots will make a unique and permanent addition to any library. Its more than just a knot book however, with all sorts of boat based and occupational uses for cordage.
The ashley book of knots takes us back to a time when knots saved lives and put dinner on the table. Advantages disadvantages secure can jam badly permanent. With 7,000 drawings representing over 3,800 knots by clifford w. 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.
The commentary on some knots may fail to address their behavior when tied with modern synthetic fiber or kernmantle style ropes. Goodreads members who liked the ashley book of knots also liked. Ashleys stopper knot this knot may save your life if you. Pdf ashley book of knots download full pdf book download. Ashley, is the definitive reference work on knots, splices, and ropework in general.
Doubleday isbn 0385040253 this is the definitive book on knots. The ashley book of knots by ashley clifford w abebooks. Asley back in the 1940s when knows ment more then they do today. Whether out at sea or in a pioneer cabin, knots were a part of daily life, one that is nearly lost today. The ashley book of knots is an encyclopedia of knots first published in 1944 by artist, author and sailor clifford warren ashley. Knot information used for joining two ropes of different sizes together. The book contains drawings and instructions for thousands of different types of knots. It is similar to several related bend knots which consist of two interlocking overhand knots, and in particular the alpine butterfly bend. Essential knots for climbing rock and ice magazine. The sheepshank knot is mostly used to shorten a length of rope temporarily. I love to laugh ashley s book of knots online dating so you will always find a cheeky smile on my pretty face. This mighty tome is one hefty volume and one sizeable download even in pdf format.
The ashley book of knots cautions against using it and advises to seize or secure the ends to make it safe unless. I first came across the ashley book of knots in the late 60s when i was a teenager. Ashley is the definitive and magnificent work on knots and knottying. Ashleys stopper knot this knot may save your life if you rock. 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. Here are approximately 3900 different kinds, from simple hitches to marlingspike seamanship. The ashley stopper knot should be compared to other knots commonly used as stoppers including the double overhand, and the figure 8 knot. A chapter in the book is also devoted to some of the equipment used by rock climbers.
Reliable, highperformance gloves to keep your hands functional in. The numbers ashley assigned to each knot can be used to unambiguously. 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. The ashley book of knots is an encyclopedia of knots written and illustrated by the american artist clifford w. It contains more than 7,000 illustrations covering 2,000 individual knots with tying instructions, uses and historic information. Born in 1881 in new bedford, massachusetts, clifford w. This book and a piece of cord will open a new and challenging world of practical adventure to readers of all ages. There are over 7,000 drawings of 3,900 knots and their application in the 619 page knot tyers tome. Ashleys bend is a knot used to securely join the ends of two ropes together.
First published in 1944, it was the culmination of over 11 years of work. Whether out at sea or in a pioneer cabin, knots were. When macrame became a popular item, i had a definite advantage over most people. This book is from the popular series on how to rock climb. In this book you will find detailed information with illustrations on the most popular knots used by rock climbers. The ashley book of knots by clifford w ashley alibris. Not being a stable knot, it falls apart under too heavy or too little load. The ashley book of knots, authoritative tome of marlinespike seamanship and compendium of the best knots to move farm animals around with, is in the public domain.
Supertopos climbing discussion forum is the worlds most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. What others are saying ashley s stopper knot this knot may save your life if you rock climb. Knots in books and articles around the world are frequently referenced back to ashley s book. Three decades later andrew returns from selfimposed exile to the siding, the place where his life first unravelled.
Its most common application is in slings used in rock climbing. Ashley describes every practical knot, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to tie it. Ashley who whos epic masterpiece the ashley book of knots is basically the. The book contains more than 3800 numbered entries and an estimated 7000 illustrations. We would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. Buy the ashley book of knots by clifford w ashley online at alibris. The subtitle every practical knot what it looks like, who uses it, where it comes from, and how to tie it pretty much says it all. According to the ashley book of knots, it is the simplest of the single strand stopper knots. Ashley who whos epic masterpiece the ashley book of knots is basically the bible of knot tying. First published in 1944, it spans 620 pages and covers 3,854 knots. But after a while the storm quieted down, as storms will. Describes every practical knot, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to tie it. 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. Full text of the ashley book of knots internet archive.
Many knots keeping it simple as there are knots, bends, hitches to name just three with differing uses have been superseded by more modern materia. Not necessarily the book for you if you want clear stepbystep illustrations of frequently used knots but if youre knotty and want to understand the range of different knots within their almostextinct fields of use it is a fascinating read. Ashley has included almost everything there is to know about them. However, it has a tendency to come undone far too readily and the stevedore stopper knot deserves to be better known. This simple knot is the most commonly used one and finds application in diverse fields. Ashley is one of the best and most well known knot reference books. The ashley book of knots i have never found a sailor who used or even. The subject of knots is incredibly wide as having a glimpse at the ashley book of knots will show. The holy grail of knot books ashley book of knots, abok, is now in the public domain.
This is unquestionably the greatest book on knots and rope work ever published, yet it is a valuable reference for anyone from eight. Some climbers prefer the ring bend for tying rappel ropes together. The book contains exactly 3854 numbered entries and an estimated 7000 illustrations. Ashley stopper knot how to tie a ashley stopper knot. Ashley, is the encyclopedia of knots, with over 3,800 knots and 7,000 illustrations, all drawn by ashley. The ultimate knot book is called the ashley book of knots by clifford w. The ashley book of knots is without parallel when it comes to knot tying. When it is used with strips of webbing such as the kind that rock climbers use then it is sometimes. How to tie an overhand knot variant double overhand knot larger, more difficult to untie. His drawings abound in humor and the text is full of colorful anecdotes. Find books like the ashley book of knots from the worlds largest community of readers. The ashley book of knots books, knots guide, knots.
Ashley s stopper knot this knot may save your life if you rock climb aka. Bowline there is little in climbing as important as rock climbing knots. It is considered by some to be the most complete reference of knots ever assembled. It is a key reference for knots and other books often refer to the ashley number for particular knots. But i had given no thought atthat time to writing a book of knots. Ashley who whos epic masterpiece the ashley book of knots is basically the bible of. The dude ashley invented some of the knots in the book too.
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