by Cyrus Lawrence Day
An excellent knot book. From the Foreward: "In SAILORS’ KNOTS Mr. Cyrus L. Day’s clear photographs ably illustrate the great knots of seamanship, the beautifully perfect formations which defy improvement and are the result of centuries of development. In his section on the History of Knots he outlines the extent of our knowledge of the beginning of the craft of rope making. Even today, with the finest machinery and rope walks, the principle of construction remains the same. The first and forgotten genius who cast a bowline, or any one of the bends or hitches in a rope must take rank with the producers of fire through friction or from the spark of a flint. The highest order of skill and intelligence went into the discovery of the knots illustrated in this book. Of the knots only one bears the name of a man, the Matthew Walker. Among the hitches the Magnus hitch seems also to perpetuate the name of an otherwise forgotten sailor. At sea, in the days of sail, knowledge and aptitude in the making of knots was an essential part of the lore of the sailor. The most interesting bibliography in this very complete book is no small part of Mr. Day’s contribution on an important and fascinating subject. He covers the field thoroughly and in a seamanlike way, and on the whole with more skill than I have ever encountered in my study of this subject. This book should prove of special value to scouts, yachtsmen, and all who delight in the use of their hands in works of skill. As a professional sailor I recommend it strongly to men going to sea in steamers where the use of rope is still of prime importance. Being able to bend on a rope, quickly and properly, has saved many a life, and the reverse is also true."
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