Cider - Shop now
Buy new:
-49% $48.81
FREE delivery Monday, May 12 to Nashville 37217
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$48.81 with 49 percent savings
List Price: $95.00
FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, May 12 to Nashville 37217
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Tomorrow, May 8.
In Stock
$$48.81 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$48.81
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$36.82
Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less See less
FREE delivery May 14 - 19 to Nashville 37217. Details
In stock
$$48.81 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$48.81
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by ThriftBooks-Phoenix.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Clifford W. Ashley
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Ashley Book of Knots Hardcover – Illustrated, January 1, 1993

by Clifford W. Ashley (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 1,375 ratings
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$48.81","priceAmount":48.81,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"48","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"81","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"DBz6L9JlwPIhf2emZgPNgCxVPzBdHKfAoIROJ4ODmZzRMXboV6mraMQnsoRf39kYUufbsbT3Ktm95ARGOxpzN4lzvogzJJBewNW2e8mL4eexhVbnwXdAsNnHsHtFnUo4G1q2CaBIFwM%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$36.82","priceAmount":36.82,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"36","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"82","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"DBz6L9JlwPIhf2emZgPNgCxVPzBdHKfAxUMbVjzE58E49vGEPebI%2FL9OuAZv88Iz2Q9TOWm0wxTfQsfa%2FXaAK%2FuEosUsLv%2BhNBIzpruGvqhjl2WoIOdZu47oCAQRRS9GkS%2BoB8cK2iSC6qmxbYhh%2BKVzHDwzFsOQeF%2BpeDK3XyZ%2FEgl5VKCH%2B1zussS0SvJ8","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

This is the definitive book on knots. Here are approximately 3900 different kinds, from simple hitches to “Marlinspike Seamanship.” Mr. Ashley has included almost everything there is to know about them. Precisely named and classified (some new ones for the first time officially), they can be easily found in the big index. He tells when they appeared, something about their history, and what they are good for.
 
Above all, Mr. Ashley gives explicit directions on how to tie them. He describes each step simply and clearly in the text and has penned right alongside some 7000 drawings to make it still more graphic. This book and a piece of cord will open a new and challenging world of practical adventure to readers of all ages. Mr. 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. His drawings abound in humor and the text is full of colorful anecdotes. The Ashley Book of Knots will make a unique and permanent addition to any library.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    619 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Doubleday
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 1993
  5. Dimensions
    8.92 x 1.67 x 11.14 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0385040253
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0385040259
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

The Ashley Book of Knots
This item: The Ashley Book of Knots
$48.81
Get it as soon as Monday, May 12
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Knot Tying Kit | Pro-Knot Best Rope Knot Cards, two practice cords and a carabiner
$10.95
Get it as soon as Monday, May 12
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Ultimate Book of Everyday Knots: (over 15,000 copies sold)
$9.49
Get it as soon as Monday, May 12
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

From the Publisher

3,900 knots and 7,000 illustrations

discover the history of each knot and best uses

open a new world of practical adventure

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Ashley Book of Knots takes us back to a time when knots saved lives and put dinner on the table. Whether out at sea or in a pioneer cabin, knots were a part of daily life, one that is nearly lost today. But in this attractive, well-organized archive of more than 3,900 different knots--presented through 7,000 illustrations--the art of knot tying lives on, both as a historical reference and a reservoir of handy knowledge.

Review

‘‘The Ashley Book of Knots’ is regarded as the Bible of knot-tyers.... But “The Ashley Book” is no nostalgia trip. It’s too punchy — too cheerful and too well-written. Like the best cookbooks or collections of movie reviews, it’s a great dip-in read: Sit down at the breakfast table, flip the book open to any page, and you’ll find an appetizing morsel to gnaw on." —The New York Times

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Doubleday; First Edition (January 1, 1993)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 619 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0385040253
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0385040259
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.85 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.92 x 1.67 x 11.14 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 1,375 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Clifford W. Ashley

Clifford W. Ashley

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
1,375 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers consider this book the definitive guide to knot tying, containing virtually every knot they will ever need, with excellent line drawings and comprehensive content. Moreover, the book is praised for its historical content, with one customer noting it serves as a virtual historical encyclopedia of knots, and customers find it well worth the price. However, customers disagree on how easy the instructions are to follow.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

156 customers mention "Knots knowledge"143 positive13 negative

Customers praise this book as the definitive guide to knot tying, providing detailed instructions for various techniques. One customer notes it is considered the Bible of knots by sailors.

"...and variations of something as basic as it is fun, such as tying nautical knots." Read more

"...ABOK provides easy access to virtually every knot ever used to any significant degree by human beings in our entire history...." Read more

"...There are some very exquisite, decorative knots for which Ashley leaves you diagrams without over/under markings, which you derive either from rules..." Read more

"...It has every knot u can think of, sailing,camping and bushcrafting,everything !! GET IT...! Now u Amazon has it on sale $41.78.." Read more

96 customers mention "Information quality"96 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a fantastic reference that is full of information with every knot, making it a lifetime resource for learning and wonder.

"...Having this book on your shelf is a help in remembering and learning new tricks and variations of something as basic as it is fun, such as tying..." Read more

"This book is an amazing learning resource and reference. Got it because I was tired of bad YouTube videos, and let me tell you - zero regret...." Read more

"Amazing source of info. I admit I use the internet now…" Read more

"...occurs as you continue to dip into this book: it becomes less of an instructional manual and more of an epic journey that began thousands of years..." Read more

49 customers mention "Illustrations"49 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's illustrations, noting the crisp text and pictures, and appreciate the many drawings and excellent diagrams.

"...literally thousands of knots, each of which explained in clear illustrations and language...." Read more

"...The illustrations make this a nice decorative book for my bookshelf...." Read more

"...the history of knots the work of Clifford Ashley is a nice piece to display on a bookshelf and consult when the weather advises to stay home rather..." Read more

"...His line drawings do a fine job of conveying the ideas he is presenting, with the possible exception of a few of the very complex knots...." Read more

32 customers mention "Historical content"29 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the historical content of the book, describing it as a timeless classic that contains as much history and information as a virtual encyclopedia of knots.

"...authoritative standard within the subject, you'll get a work of true historical importance - one that you'll probably use and read for the rest of..." Read more

"...This is the ultimate reference on such." Read more

"Great, well-known book on subject" Read more

"This book gives a great introduction into the history and terminology of knots, and is referenced by other websites like animated knots." Read more

32 customers mention "Value for money"26 positive6 negative

Customers find the book well worth its price.

"...It's worth the price...." Read more

"...subject, and was a true historian, so from that perspective the book is worth buying. I have two criticisms:..." Read more

"...content and overall information given is very generous and well worth the cost." Read more

"...Well worth the somewhat high price if you are a knot enthusiast. A must have book for your library." Read more

21 customers mention "Book content"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great reference that is extremely comprehensive.

"Great reference book for anyone into tying knots. It's a must-have. Book has a quality feel." Read more

"...There is no other book that is nearly so comprehensive or contains as much history and information...." Read more

"...All in one book, the life's work of one brilliant and dedicated man. Stunning. If I lose this book I will buy another copy...." Read more

"If you are at all serious about knots, this is a mandatory addition to your library I have been teaching knots to Scouts for decades, and consider..." Read more

13 customers mention "Library value"13 positive0 negative

Customers find this knot book to be a great addition to their library, with one customer noting it's particularly suitable for Boy and Girl Scout collections.

"...Would be a nice addition for any sailor's library or a nice coffee table book for similar tradesman or hobbyist." Read more

"...serious packing, climbing, rope work, then this would be a great addition to your library. The original publishing date is several decades old...." Read more

"...A must have in your personal library; learn the knots, read the history behind them or just enjoy reading an fantasizing about becoming a master of..." Read more

"...A must have book for your library." Read more

59 customers mention "Ease of follow"37 positive22 negative

Customers have mixed experiences with the book's instructions, with some finding them easy to understand and navigate, while others report that the diagrams are hard to follow.

"...it represents one man's life and passion beautifully and painstakingly documented in a form that others can relate to and appreciate - a pure and..." Read more

"...Even though it starts out simply, it is not a book for beginners...." Read more

"...The learning curve is steep, but if you're looking aheady considering a desk reference of knots, you'll probably find it worth it." Read more

"Wonderful book and recommend for all the sailors . So in details and easy to read .The book so big takes time to lear all the knots how to do...." Read more

Plenty of illustrations...
5 out of 5 stars
Plenty of illustrations...
Didn't realize how much information is in this book. A lot bigger too in size, I thought it was a handbook it's a big Ole BOOK ! It has every knot u can think of, sailing,camping and bushcrafting,everything !! GET IT...! Now u Amazon has it on sale $41.78..
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Alfredo Tassano
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must for whom that loves sailing!!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I recommend this book for anyone who loves sailing. Having this book on your shelf is a help in remembering and learning new tricks and variations of something as basic as it is fun, such as tying nautical knots.
    Helpful
     Report
  • G. Chapman
    5.0 out of 5 stars The "Knot Bible" Indeed
    Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    So what's the big deal about knots, you say? For the majority of human history (prior to industrialization and assembly line pre-packaged pre-sized made-to-fit idiot-proof modern conveniences that we've become so dependent on) life would have been impossible without knots. The ability to tie knots ranks right up there with fire and the wheel in terms of its impact on human progress. In short, nothing in modern society, indeed, arguably society itself, would have been possible without knots.

    ABOK provides easy access to virtually every knot ever used to any significant degree by human beings in our entire history. (Let THAT one sink in for a second!) Yes, there have been a handful of knots invented since ABOK that one may find very useful - but those are few and far between. ABOK contains literally thousands of knots, each of which explained in clear illustrations and language. And surprisingly, despite its massive content, finding a knot you need is usually pretty straightforward. Plus - and in my opinion one of the real pleasures of this book - Ashley provides a virtual historical encyclopedia of almost every knot (for example, where they originated, intended and best uses, relative strength, etc.).

    However, ABOK represents more than simply a reference for finding a knot to tie your lures or anchoring a tent stake - it represents one man's life and passion beautifully and painstakingly documented in a form that others can relate to and appreciate - a pure and honest contribution to the subject for no other reason than his love for it. If you've ever thought about doing something meaningful with your life and time and having that effort remembered, you can appreciate why this book truly deserves the term "legacy".

    Every so often a single person contributes so significantly within a given field or subject that their work becomes the reference and standard by which all other contributors are judged. ABOK represents an example of that phenomenon. If you're interested at all in knot tying, do yourself a favor and get this book. It's worth the price. You'll not only get THE reference and undisputed authoritative standard within the subject, you'll get a work of true historical importance - one that you'll probably use and read for the rest of your life. Very few books I've encountered earn such a claim.
    66 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • JM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Reference
    Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book is an amazing learning resource and reference. Got it because I was tired of bad YouTube videos, and let me tell you - zero regret. I'm learning more and learning better with this book.

    You'll need to get the hang of how Ashley organizes things, and be prepared to check the index and a couple candidate sections if you're exploring a topic and/or looking for something specific. For instance, is a noose tied in the bight in the chapter on the noose, or in the chapter on knots tied in the bight? (The noose). What about a single loop tied in the bight? (Knots tied in the bight). Seizing techniques are described in Practical Marlinespike Seamanship at the end of the book, when I'd have had them at the beginning.

    There have been a few times when a term definition was hard to find. There are some very exquisite, decorative knots for which Ashley leaves you diagrams without over/under markings, which you derive either from rules or from looking up other knots in other chapters. He uses as few diagrams as possible to describe any given knot - you may have to study an image carefully.

    If you're looking for step by step guides for beginners, this ain't it. The learning curve is steep, but if you're looking aheady considering a desk reference of knots, you'll probably find it worth it.
    14 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • FRANK
    5.0 out of 5 stars Plenty of illustrations...
    Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Didn't realize how much information is in this book. A lot bigger too in size, I thought it was a handbook it's a big Ole BOOK ! It has every knot u can think of, sailing,camping and bushcrafting,everything !!
    GET IT...! Now u Amazon has it on sale $41.78..
    Customer image
    FRANK
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Plenty of illustrations...

    Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024
    Didn't realize how much information is in this book. A lot bigger too in size, I thought it was a handbook it's a big Ole BOOK ! It has every knot u can think of, sailing,camping and bushcrafting,everything !!
    GET IT...! Now u Amazon has it on sale $41.78..
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Helpful
     Report
  • FlyingRon
    5.0 out of 5 stars It's all here
    Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    If there's any knot that has been invented in this world, it is in this book. This is the ultimate reference on such.
    Helpful
     Report
  • NostraEd
    5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing compendium of knots
    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The drawings and instructions are not always clear, but it is entertaining to figure it out. If you intend to use the knots for rock climbing or anything important, please seek out a professional. Experience trumps any book.

    The condition of my book is somewhat less than expected.. Amazon did send it in a box not a bag, but the extra space allowed the books movement to damage the dust cover. I own a copy, but this was going to be a gift. The copy I bought used ten years ago is in better condition than this one. It seems that the heat here in Las Vegas makes the people at Amazon apathetic. Yes, Amazon is great about fixing problems, but I spent 45 minutes on the phine this morning on an epic fail. They did fix it.

    I guess I will request another one of these and hope for the best. The copy I received today is not gift quality. The contents of the book is something that should be deep underground preserved with other works of art and artifacts.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Haim Parnas
    4.0 out of 5 stars If you are a book person - this is nice to have, for me - not easy to learn from….
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Amazing source of info. I admit I use the internet now…
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jack Kruse
    5.0 out of 5 stars PERFECT IN EVERY WAY
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The book was just what I'd been looking for. I borrowed it once from a friend's mom and loved it. And here it is, same 1944 edition, in perfect condition.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Eduardo Mendez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Una obra de arte
    Reviewed in Mexico on April 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    El libro esta bellamente ilustrado con hermosos dibujos. Tiene muchos datos históricos y de usos de una enorme cantidad de nudos. El texto es muy ameno y la obra en sí es una expresión de la pasión del autor por esa concepción del intelecto humano, los nudos.
    Report
  • steven
    5.0 out of 5 stars An all knot workers must have
    Reviewed in Canada on January 20, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    For as long as I can remember my father has always had the Ashley Book of Knots, though his was "Ashley's Big Book of Knots"as it got rebound twice. And only recently have I thought to have my own copy, as it has many common, and not so common knots, as well as some extra notes on them. I am quite estactic to now have my own copy, and look forward to learning more knots, and about knotwork.
    Report
  • J. Matías G.
    5.0 out of 5 stars La Biblia de los Nudos
    Reviewed in Spain on October 23, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Hay algunos nudos que llevan el nombre de Ashley, no es casualidad.
    Es difícil que nadie vaya a superar a Clifford Ashley en su dedicación a los nudos, que además enriquece con sus dibujos.
    Este libro no sólo muestra como se hace cada nudo, cuenta las historias de algunos, revela la relación entre nudos que parecen dispares y terminan siendo el mismo...
    Yo me creía un buen aficionado sin tener este libro en mi biblioteca, iluso de mi. No entras de verdad en el mundo de los nudos si no tienes este libro en tu biblioteca.
    Es caro, sí, no es para aficionados baratos.
    Report
  • liviu ist
    5.0 out of 5 stars piece of art
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 10, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book as a present for a friend, who is passionate of knots. I didn't study too many knots on this book because I offered it soon after purchase, but from what I saw I was very pleased. Also I received the same answer from him when I asked if he enjoyed the present. The book was in good state when I received it. But the paper is not the pure-white type, it is a little bit greyed (like the ecological paper). But this is minor and was not an issue for me.

    One thing to mention: the book is not suited to a novice, but more to a knot proffessional, I find it advanced and complex. Many of the drawings were hand drawn and difficult to understand. Some knots had few instructions. If you don't know what it is about, sometimes you may find difficult to tie the knot. So, if you are looking for a book to learn knots, this is not the one to start with.

    But, if you are a passionate collector, then this definitely should be in your library because it is the most comprehensive collection of knots and an amazing piece of art. One who is willing to study and to improve his knowledge should have this book because he/she will find it entertaining. And I recommend it because I am one of the "collector" type. The work of the author is huge, and all the drawings are hand made, thousands of them, and I really appreciate the work of the author.
    Report
  • Cicero
    5.0 out of 5 stars Das Standardwerk der Knoten
    Reviewed in Germany on June 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    DAS Buch für jeden Knotenenthusiasten. Falls jemand wie ich überlegt hat das: Graumont, R: Encyclopedia of Knots and Fancy Ropework zu kaufen, kauft lieber das Ashley Book of Knots. Ja es ist teuer, aber sein Geld wirklich wert. Wenn man sich etwas mit Knoten beschäftigt (wer kauft sonst das Buch?) der wird die Zeichnungen in Ashley's Buch viel verständlicher finden als Photos.

    Weil es in anderen Rezensionen kam, dass wohl jeder wichtige Knoten in dem Buch steht: Zumindest einer meiner Lieblingsknoten ist nicht drin, der Kalmückenknoten den ich meist statt einem Palstek (bowline) verwende. Jedem Knotenfreund sei dieser zusätzlich wärmstens ans Herz gelegt.
    Report