The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots and Ropework

"I tie knots for about 25% of my job, so it has been an interest to learn different techniques and history. To my suprise when I read this, I found what USA knows as a square knot the rest of the world calls a reef knot. European square knot is a different knot. Same with many more knots. Anyway great read and shows uses for rope I never thought of. Easy to follow and has info for natural/synthetic cordage of all types. Neat. Book is large, contains more photos then text, and includes some but not much history of each knot. This is a good book whether you are trying to keep your shoes tied(square(reef)),making a coveted Diamond hitch, or the feared but utilitarian hangman's noose."

"Divided into section such as loops, knots, hitches, decorative, etc and with a whole lot of knots to suit most every occasion, and some text as to when to use or avoid. Mainly it is step by step, high-gloss, full-color pictures of all the steps with colored ropes and nice images of the knots in use or in nice stills. Some knots have two steps, some take up a page or more so the detail and every step is there, I'd estimate 97% of the time. I learn to tie so many knots from this, my first, knot book. It is a handy reference, not too thick and not too large. It is not pocket-size but I have the hardback and it is a great book I would highly recommend, whether you are just starting, tie alot, or need a book around for reference occasionally. It mentions many knots I never knew existed and I was glad to be able to see and learn. Granted I have never seen Ashley's Book of Knots, and don't have it yet, but I have this one and it does the job and I have moved on to Marlinspike and decorative work, to add to my knot-tying skill set, yet this one I always have in my ditty bag along with two others right now. This is the basic one I use and I have two of decorative/projects. So I would say if you think a picture is worth a thousand words, and you need to know knots ranging from a reef knot to various bowlines to an alpine butterfly to farmer's loops and Bimini twists to a one's you may or may not use or thought to use but might because you would never know them without a book like this, this is a great book to own and well worth it."