George Russell Shaw's Knots Useful and Ornamental was published in 1924 by Houghton Mifflin and has been reprinted many times since. (Bonanza, 1984; reprinted 2008 by Dover as Practical and Ornamental Knots). Yes, there are knot books that are newer and more modern; there are knot encyclopedias that are more comprehensive. But none of them can match the sheer value - knots per dollar paid - or outright charm of Shaw's 1924 classic.
Practical Knots
Shaw has excellent coverage of working knots. There are fisherman's knots, cowboy's knots, sailor's knots, docker's knots, gunner's knots, miller's knots, weaver's knots. These are utility knots devised over centuries to do specific jobs in specific occupations. Many of them remain wonderfully useful even today.
- Want to tie up a sack? Shaw offers three knots to do the job.
- Need to sling a barrel? Shaw shows two methods.
- Want to try netting some fish? Shaw shows you how to make the net.
- Need to shorten a rope? Shaw has six version of the sheepshank.
- Tying a package? You'll be amazed how simple and useful this knot is!
- Kids' shoes come undone? Shaw has the answer - and it's easy to untie.
Ornamental Knots
Although the average macrame book probably contains a more detailed selection of fancy knots, those in Shaw's book are a good start. And some of the more complex Celtic or Japanese knots will take you many enjoyable hours to work out and tie.
- Braiding - a dozen methods, two to eight strands, flat, round and triangular
- Sennit - even strand, odd strand
- Turk's Heads - three forms
- Knots that resemble insects and other animals, flowers
Knot Projects
Because the ornamental knots are intended for decorating useful items rather than to produce fancy work as such, there are numerous projects included.
- Belts
- Watch fob
- Ornamental girdle
- Knife lanyards
- Place Mats or Book Covers
Charming Old-fashioned Sketches
The current practice in knotwork training is to illustrate the knots with multi-colored cordage, and to provide step-by step photographs along with instructions for tying the knot. This is undoubtedly of value to the beginner.
Shaw's book on the other hand contains only hand-drawn illustrations, perhaps with shading or numbers to identify the different cords in a knot. Some knots have step-by-step drawings and notes about making the knot, but many others have only a sketch of the knot, leaving the reader to figure out how to get from running end to finished knot.
Knotty Problem?
The book appears to have been rushed into print in 1924, or was perhaps published posthumously. It contains a number of spelling errors; some lettering is only sketched while the rest is precisely inked.
Some of the drawings are confusing or even wrong. In many cases, instructions are incomplete, inaccurate, unclear, or non-existent.
Some of the knots may be dangerous if tied in artificial fibers such as polypropylene, nylon, or kevlar. Those who work in man-made fibers are advised to consult more modern references.
Summary
This is a book for the knot affictionado or collector rather than for the beginner. Its value is in its completeness, its selection of older, traditional knots, and its relative value for cost.
Further Reading:
Essential Outdoor Knots for Backpackers and Campers
International Guild of Knot Tyers - a fascinating knot site
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