Here is every important knot that a boater will need, exquisitely illustrated in a stay-open spiral-bound book. Starting with a fascinating history of rope and its nautical uses, the guide contains pictures of traditional ties and loops, information on all types of cord, and a glossary. It describes and explains forty knots in detail, showing each stage of the looping, complete with additional background on each knot and details about what task it can handle. As always, Chapman gives boaters an eminently practical guide.