Outdoor Knots

Cliff Jacobson is one of North America's most respected outdoor writers and wilderness canoe guides. He is a retired environmental science teacher, an outdoors skills instructor, a canoeing and camping consultant, and the author of more than a dozen bestselling books on canoeing and camping. He is a recipient of the American Canoe Association's prestigious Legends of Paddling Award and a member of the ACA Hall of Fame. He lives in Wisconsin, USA.

This is a superb little book. The introduction enlightened me on some basic principles of rope and cordage — did you know each time you double the diameter of a rope you quadruple the strength? The techy stuff like this is a short section at the outset and is easy to follow. Then there's the bit you want to know — how to make that bowline or anchor knot. It is easy once you have been shown show. Each knot gets its own introduction, with a description of uses and diagrams to show you how to tie it... I mastered two knots in just a few minutes thanks to this book — definitely worth the asking price.

• 1. Choosing Rope- Types of Rope- Preparing a New Rope- Coiling Your Rope for Proper Storage- How to Care for Your New Rope2. Knots- How Strong Are Knots?- Knots- Splices- Lashings- About the Author