Reviews
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Knowing which knot to use when and how to tie it can mean the difference between safety and danger or a dry or wet night camping. A well-tied knot is not only a safeguard, but also a thing of beauty. 40 Knots and How to Tie Them presents the essential knots, from classic sturdy, strong knots—including Bowline, Sheepshank, Pile Hitch, and Truckers Dolly—to the decorative. Instructions on tying each knot are shown in crystal-clear, hand-drawn diagrams, and its uses plainly explained. A perfect gift for the novice or the seasoned expert, each chapter contains a project to practice knots, including a bracelet, coaster, woven mat, and hammock.
Lucy Davidson is a graphic designer and illustrator who creates beautiful weaves, runs workshops, and is the creator of a popular craft and design blog, Peas and Needles. She lives in Brighton, England.
Hardcover, 144 pages.
5.31 x 7.28 inches.
Princeton Architectural Press.
Printed in China.
Nest Notes: The great thing about this book is that it can grow with you, as even children as young as first grade can begin with one or two of the different knots, and then gradually one might introduce more to their practice and knowledge. Easy to follow diagrams, very pleasing to learn with, step-by-step. Practical knots for outdoors, for crafting, and even then overlapping with or leading into macrame and weaving know-how. The projects at the end help put the skills to use with pride.
"Anglers who have lost big fish to weak knots are forever regretful. Better to learn the art of knot tying before casting a line. A new book by Lucy Davidson entitled "40 Knots and How to Tie Them" explains, in straightforward fashion with easy-to-understand illustrations, knots most everyone should know - anglers especially. Among these are the blood knot, the perfection loop and the dry fly knot. The 37 other knots in Davidson's book will come in handy, too." – Minneapolis Star-Tribune
>"Lucy Davidson takes us on a surprisingly useful and informative tour through the world of knot-tying in "40 Knots and How to Tie Them" (Princeton Architectural Press, $16.95). The book is beautifully illustrated with simple line drawings to help even the most clumsy camper, climber or sailor to master any number of handy knots" – The Wall Street Journal
"This book should be accessed with a piece of rope or cord handy because the examples within are all about repetition. The author traces her knot "obsession" with her early shoe-tying days, and backs it up with knot terms and a discussion of rope quality. Such a book demands helpful illustrations, and this one mostly delivers. The really geeky will enjoy the little side projects such as rope ladders and plant-hangers. Organized by knot type (camping, maritime, climbing and classic), there are old standbys and others sure to keep the guy-lines taut." – Associated Press.
"A beautiful and practical tool for the outdoor adventurer and home crafter alike, knots come in handy in just about every situation...Combining cool craftsmanship and savvy design, this book is the perfect gift for any creative adventurer."
– The Backwoodsman
"Anglers who have lost big fish to weak knots are forever regretful. Better to learn the art of knot tying before casting a line. A new book by Lucy Davidson entitled “40 Knots and How to Tie Them” explains, in straightforward fashion with easy-to-understand illustrations, knots most everyone should know - anglers especially. Among these are the blood knot, the perfection loop and the dry fly knot. The 37 other knots in Davidson’s book will come in handy, too.”
"Lucy Davidson takes us on a surprisingly useful and informative tour through the world of knot-tying in “40 Knots and How to Tie Them” (Princeton Architectural Press, $16.95). The book is beautifully illustrated with simple line drawings to help even the most clumsy camper, climber or sailor to master any number of handy knots"
"This slender volume is a practical how-to guide for home crafters and outdoor enthusiasts. Four nicely formatted chapters, heavy with simple illustrations, showcase knots that are suitable for general use, camping, climbing, and maritime activity. Individual entries begin with brief commentary on the history and appropriate use of each knot, followed by clearly written, very easy-to-follow, step-by-step tying instructions. Among the 40 entries are, for example, the “Cat’s Paw,” commonly used as a hitch hook for slings; the “Alpine Butterfly,” used by mountain climbers to attach carabiners to climbing ropes; and the “Anchor Bend,” perfect for securing boats. This handy guide is recommended for the reference shelves of public and school libraries."
-Booklist Online
"40 Knots and How to Tie Them is a brilliant combination of impressive craftsmanship and clever designs, making it perfect for creative adventurers.”
- GRIT Online
"This book should be accessed with a piece of rope or cord handy because the examples within are all about repetition. The author traces her knot “obsession” with her early shoe-tying days, and backs it up with knot terms and a discussion of rope quality. Such a book demands helpful illustrations, and this one mostly delivers. The really geeky will enjoy the little side projects such as rope ladders and plant-hangers. Organized by knot type (camping, maritime, climbing and classic), there are old standbys and others sure to keep the guy-lines taut.”
-Minneapolis Star-Tribune
