THE bible of knots and how to tie them. Where other books about knots have twenty to two hundred knots this book has over three thousand nine hundred knots. Ashley uses the word knot to include knots, lashings, splices, braidings and other ways to tie ropes, cords, string and other such materials. This book uses drawings to show how to tie the knots. In the beginning of the book Ashley tells about tools used to tie knots ands gives general instructions for tying knots. The rest of the chapters are about different types of knots such as stopper knots, bends, lashings, splices, braidings, buttons and decorative knots to name just a few of the types. Many of the knots have to do with sailing because many knots were used on or developed for sailing ships but he covers many other knots used for many other purposes. When possible he also gives some of the history for any given knot. Ashley collected knots from around the world and he also had other people who sent him or gave him many other knots in this book. No other book comes close to covering the subject of knots and how to tie them. If you want to learn about knots this is the ultimate authority on the subject.