Born in 1881 in new bedford, massachusetts, 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 book contains exactly 3854 numbered entries and an estimated 7000 illustrations. The ashley book of knots is an encyclopedia of knots written and illustrated by the american artist clifford w. Clifford warren ashley was born in new bedford, massachusetts on december 18, 1881 and died in westport point, massachusetts on september 18, 1947. Download the ashley book of knots pdf ebook read online. But in this attractive, wellorganized archive of more than 3,900 different knotspresented through 7,000 illustrationsthe art of knot tying lives on, both as a historical. 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. He gives an interesting explanation of the revival of interest in knots, on land and sea which is that the radio supplies entertainment while leaving hands free for other. The artist and illustrator together with the museums extensive complementary material on knots, a contiguous exhibition focus features ashley s works on canvas and book illustrations to give a comprehensive perspective on one of new bedfords most interesting and influential citizens. Ashley, is the definitive reference work on knots, splices, and ropework in general. Featuring every practical knot, what it looks like, who uses it, where it comes from and how to tie it.
First published in 1944, it was the culmination of over 11 years of work. Product information the ashley book of knots is the definitive reference for information on how to tie knots for any purpose. Ashley is the definitive and magnificent work on knots and knottying. He tells when they appeared, something about their history. The artist who preserved the vanishing technology of knots. Ashley is perhaps most famous for the ashley book of knots 1944, an encyclopedic reference manual with directions for and illustrations of thousands of knots. Ashley book of knots hardcover 1 january 1980 by clifford warren ashley author 4. The ashley book of knots will make a unique and permanent addition to any library. He was the first author to publish several knots, including what are now called ashleys stopper knot and ashleys bend.
The author, clifford ashley, was an artist as well as a sailor and this book was the work of a lifetime of fascination with knots. The entries include knot instructions, uses, and some histories. Ashleys the ashley book of knots, which i had the good fortune to find at a yard sale for a quarter, this book would have just remained a thread of an idea. Strange as it seems to the land lubber, there is a bottomless market for books on knots. His drawings abound in humor and the text is full of colorful anecdotes.
The book contains more than 3800 numbered entries and an estimated 7000 illustrations. Knots in books and articles around the world are frequently referenced back to ashleys book. Ashley while delving into the life of ashley, who was a master knot tyer, maritime artist, historian, and author. The ashley book of knots takes us back to a time when knots saved lives and put dinner on the table. Abok of clifford w ashley is an encyclopedia of knots written and illustrated by the american artist clifford w. A student of howard pyles, he is represented in the permanent collections of museums and libraries all along the east coast. This book and a piece of cord will open a new and challenging world of practical adventure to readers of all ages. Precisely named and classified some new ones for the first time officially, they can be easily found in the big index. This book uses drawings to show how to tie the knots. Published in 1944, the book was written by author clifford ashley, a sailor and artist, and this book contains directions on tying more than 3,000 knots. He tells when they appeared, something about their history, and what they are good for. Ashley book of knots by clifford ashley, hardcover.
Every practical knotwhat it looks like, who uses it, where it comes from, and how to tie it by clifford ashley overview this is the definitive book on knots. The book and exhibition illustrate how knots are both ancient and modern, and how they are the subject of cuttingedge research and ongoing practice in mathematics, physics, life. In that same year, in a farmhouse in westport, massachusetts, a man called clifford warren ashley, 53, starts writing a book about knots. Ashley uses the word knot to include knots, lashings, splices, braidings and other ways to tie ropes, cords, string and other such materials.
In the beginning of the book ashley tells about tools used to tie knots ands gives general instructions for tying knots. Ashley book of knots by clifford warren ashley, 9780385040259, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. Illustration from the ashley book of knots garden city, nj, doubleday press, 1944 courtesy new bedford whaling museum. Ashley was an artist who studied under the influential. Clifford ashley the ashley book of knots the most comprehensive resource for knots and ropework ever published. Clifford ashley took notes on knots for over 40 years of his life, and then labored for over 11 years to produce the most comprehensive reference of knots and ropework ever written. There are over 7,000 drawings of 3,900 knots and their application in the 619 page knot tyers tome.
The ashley book of knots by clifford w ashley alibris. Although best known as a knot expert he was also a talented artist, author, and sailor. Editions of the ashley book of knots by clifford w. This is by far the best book i have ever read on the subject of knots, but its scope reaches far beyond simply how to tie simple bends and shanks. His ruling passions were marine painting and knottying, on which he.
Ashley clifford w ashley includes 7000 drawings representing over 3900 knots. Published in 1944, this book is still the number one reference to all things knotting. Ashleys book even proved inspirational to novelist annie proulx, who said of her pulitzer prize winning novel the shipping news, without the inspiration of clifford w. Here are approximately 3900 different kinds, from simple hitches to marlingspike seamanship. This catalog spotlights noteworthy objects from the exhibition thou shalt knot. Ashleys interest in art developed while still in high school. 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 without parallel when it comes to knot tying. Ashley was born in 1881 at the whaling port of new bedford, massachusetts. The definitive kind, that takes more than 40 years to compile and 11 years to complete, with over 7,000 drawings by the author, representing more than 3,800 knots.