The Ashley Book of Knots by Clifford W. Ashley

Clifford Ashley born in the whaling port of New Bedford, Massachusetts had a passion for all knots. The knowledge he gained along the way coincided with experiences aboard whaling ships and continued through his life as a sailor, surgeon, crew member and simple observer; all the time noting the importance of knots in all practical maritime matters. This definitive book, first published in 1944 with 620 pages, describes every practical knot known to man. It took Clifford Ashley over 40 years to compile and 11 years to complete. He describes and illustrates what each knot looks like, where it comes from, and how to tie it. The book includes more than 3,800 knots with 7,000 drawings and includes all varieties of shipboard knots as well as knots used by butchers, steeplejacks, electric linesmen, knitters, surgeons and cowboys. There is an entire chapter dedicated to tricks and puzzles perfect for improvising magic tricks!
Clifford Ashley died only three years after the original publication and the International Guild of Knot Tyers have continued to update and refresh subsequent editions.