FunSlinger wrote on Apr 25
th, 2007 at 1:07am:
...but because I have a pile of other books which collectively probably add up to that amount which have about the same amount of knot info, but whose diagrams are much larger and show steps involved more than ABOK.
IMO, ABOK is both a piece of artwork AND a repository for demonstrations of knots and knotting... but it is NOT a "textbook" treatment of knotting, nor did Mr. Ashley intend it to be such. It is primarily aimed at those who already have a strong basis in knotting and consequently ofen talks in "shorthand", assuming that the reader will already have the basics in hand. Admittedly, this is a detriment to the book for the person who is learning knotting or who wants to learn knotting, and they would best be served by getting one of Geoff Budworth or Des Pawson's many tomes where the basics are expounded, but for those whose living is the sea and ropes, ABOK is a joy to read and re-read.
The artwork and commentary alone make it one of the most loved books in my library.
Now, for a REALLY poorly-planned and laid-out book on ropework, the first one I ever bought , "The Encyclopedia Of Knots And Fancy Ropework" by Raoul Graumont and John Hensel (1939 Cornell Maritime Press) HAS to be the "500 pound gorilla" of incomprehensibility. I thought all knot books were written like that and was highly suprised to find that others had written books which were nowhere near as obscure in their approach to fancy-work.... perhaps early immersion in the coils of EKFR just made it easire to read ABOK... at any rate, I'd not be without either of them.
Just got two tree-rats as was threatening my tulips.... love slings!