Knots - A Complete Guide

KNOTS - A COMPLETE GUIDE by Lindsey Philpott
Price: £ 17.99
Published by New Holland
ISBN 1 84330 455 4 (hardback) 1 84330 456 2 (paperback)

New Holland Say
Knowing the right knot to use - and how to tie it - is an invaluable skill for anyone involved in outdoor activities. There are literally thousands of knots, for a wide variety of applications, with new knots being devised each year. 'Knots: A Complete Guide' provides comprehensive instructions for tying more than 110 of the knots most commonly used in outdoor pursuits such as climbing, hiking, boating, camping and fishing.

An illustration from the book

An introductory section outlines the basics of rope construction, maintenance and care, as well as the many different types of ropes and cordage, and delves into the history of knots and knot tying. Each knot entry is shown in step-by-step photographs, with detailed tying instructions as well as tips and lore, advice on strength and security, and a key system which indicates the applications most suitable for each. Whether constructing a make-shift camp or rigging a sail, towing a car or rock climbing, 'Knots' will prove an indispensable guide.

The Author
Lindsey Philpott is the President and co-founder of the Pacific Americas Branch of the International Guild of Knot Tyers. He was first introduced to knotting as a Wolf Cub and Boy Scout in his native England. After emigrating to the United States, he worked as an engineer for the Los Angeles Metropolitan Water District. Today, he teaches decorative intricate knotwork and basic knots in marlinespike seamanship classes to children and adults alike. Licensed by the US Coast Guard as a Captain, he enjoys teaching up-and-coming captains the intricacies of rigging and ropework, as well as volunteering as a rigger and mate on many of the square-rigged vessels. His involvement with knotting has extended to acting as an expert witness in several murder cases and becoming proficient in Chinese knotting. He has an extensive library of books and pamphlets on knotting, and a collection of knot-related tools and artefacts that completely fills one room of his house in Long Beach, California.