Encyclopedia of Knots and Fancy Rope Work

For over all knot work and other fancy rope work, this is the best book I've found to date. Some of the trickier knots and rope work could use a little more detail as it tends to assume you already know a good bit about what they're talking about at times, but generally if you've started with the easier ones and worked your way there, then you'll know what they're referring to.

I asked Santa for this book.If I've been good this will be the third copy I've owened or possessed I should say, the first was on loan from a retired bosuns mate, I was hopping after a year or so he'd forget, he didn't. The second was from Santa, I worked trees and boats for twenty some years and "The Book" went every where with me but ultimatly was lost in a storage during a move (MIA). I can still turn a three strand turks head from memory and throw a half dozen bowlines but I miss my old friend especially the multistrand braids and tatting.The book is a wealth of information, sometimes it can be difficult to follow but after you under thier style of instruction it falls into place and goes pretty easy.I've only found a couple knots not covered but if I look hard enough and long enough I would find it's varient or it's great grandfather. This book is a must for anyone interested in knots and fancy ropework.

I have loved this book since I first checked it out from the library. It was my first book of knots. The photos are beautiful. I would recomend it for anyone who loves knots and splicing.

This book is definitly NOT for the beginner! However it is also NOT the musty old tome that many feel that it is. Aboard any modern merchant ship, this is a MUST HAVE... I have used it in solving countless mooring "splice and dice" problems! At an intermediate or advanced level (or if you are a sailor by trade) ... Buy it!

This book must be approached for what it is: a museum of knotwork. Here you will find as complete a collection of knots and fancy ropework as you will see anywhere. It is not a good place for a beginner, but once you've learned the basics elsewhere, this is an invaluable guide to knot design and craftmanship. Not user friendly by any means. Learn its ways and means, though, and you will find yourself returning again and again to its crowded picture plates.