Page 280 - J. C. Turner "History and Science of Knots"

On Theories of Knots 271

`Insofar as the authors of this work have any knowledge, there is no
complete and comprehensive literature covering the entire subject
of tying knots and the making of ornamental rope designs. Most
of the knowledge on these subjects was never published, but was
handed down from man to man, and from generation to generation,
through actual contact with those who were familiar with the work

It is therefore the purpose of this book to include, insofar as
it is possible, all of the known kinds, types, forms and designs of
knots, macrame, lace, tatting, braiding, and ornamental rope work,
in order that the art may be preserved as an historical record for
future generations.'

4.2. `The Ashley Book of Knots'

On the front cover of this encyclopedia [1] are the claims that the book includes:
`Every practical knot-what it looks like, who uses it, where it
comes from, and how to tie it ... with 7000 drawings representing
over 3900 knots.'

Fig. 1. Tying the Jury Mast Knot, #1169; an example from p. 212 of Ashley's
book
This beautiful book of 620 pages is truly a celebration of knot lore, cov-
ering all its practical facets with charming drawings and text. It was written
by Clifford W. Ashley, and first published in 1944 by Doubleday & Company,
Inc., New York. It is still in print, and will no doubt remain so for very many
years: it is the `classic' in its field.