Why Knot?: How to Tie More Than Sixty Ingenious, Useful, Beautiful, Lifesaving, and Secure Knots!

I have long admired this courageous and irrepressible Frenchman. A man who followed his heart and passion at great risk to himself. Some reviewers criticized him for self-promotion, but it doesn't distract from the book. To do what he's done takes unbelievable self confidence and focus. The fact that he has used every knot in the book in pursuit of his craft/art lends it full credibility--talk about "real world" testing! I wish I could give it 5 stars but some of the repeated criticisms are valid. The tiny print--what's with that? Another reviewer called out the omission of the tautline hitch. The index lists it on page 114 but it's not there. I've used that knot all my life because it's so useful. My own gripe is the poor explanation of the "threading the needle" trick on pages 136-137. Reading it a dozen times and trying to do it with a cord just left me frustrated and confused. I found it clearly explained on You-Tube. But, that's a quibble because Philippe Petit wrote an overall helpful and useful book. He is a truly remarkable and fearless man. His passion for life, for learning, for adventure, and for wanting to pass on his knowledge comes thru in his book. I bow in respect to Monsieur Petit.

The book itself is great, has quality paper in all its pages, and knots are well explained.One caveat: Before you buy you buy this book used, even if listed as very good condition,you might receive it in the mail without the little red cord. Important that you contact the seller before buying it to make sure the bookseller verifies the red cord is inside the front jacket cover. In front of the book is an instruction to immediately remove the red cord from the front cover before starting to read the book.

I'm a sailer...ok, I'm more of cook / bartender on the sail boat but I help out now and again. I've always been a bit mystified as to how different knots are done. I've look at "text" books about them but nothing stuck. But this one has a red string inside and it is SO helpful. I can now ties many, many knots and was surprised to find that so many knots are based on the same basic principles.Also, there are not so many in the book that you get confused. Rather, the BEST knots for each problem is detailed. The author is an expert and we all benefit from his years of experience and clear instructions. Plus we can "play along" with the rope. I just put it beside my coach and each night, I'd teach myself a new knot. First I'd go back and try to do all the knots I'd learned up to that point and then add a new one. This made me actually learn each knot. When you're at sea and something comes undone, you have to know exactly what to do immediately. This little gem of a book has helped me do just that and become a better "hand".Also, the would make a good gift for any sailor....or Boy / Girl Scout....outdoorsman...etc.

I love this hardback book written by a knot expert whose life has depended upon rope or cable tied with the correct knot as he sky walks without a safety net....like between the World Trade Center Twin Towers before radicals flew jet airplanes into them that knocked them down. It's like an encyclopedia about knots and the stranded material that we call rope, cable, line, etc. I was able to get this book in like new condition for just a few dollars, and it's a great edition to my reference library. The only criticism I have is that the print is too small-as in little. I think I need a magnifying glass to fully appreciate it.

Philippe Petit has done it again. Whatever this man does is perfection: a WTC walk, Notre Dam, Sydney Harbor Bridge, The Parisian Bicentential with a costume change on the wire above hundreds of thousands, at Lincoln Center making thousands laugh and applaud his antics prancing and yes! Drinking champagne above the streets with aerial glee...delivering a trowel to the top of the largest cathedral in the world...and then that small thing...the Academy Award for his exploits as harmless "art crimes"...Mr. Petit we owe you gratitude for being in our space and time this time...but, what is behind all of this?Knots.Good solid, prevent from slipping...knots. Any conjuror -- and don't think for a moment that Mr. Petit is not a CONJUROR EXTRAORDINAIRE -- knows his knots. His life may depend on tying them as Houdini spent untying them. Every moment of every day society is moved inches for ward by someone taking precautions, and in his case, Philippe Petit has assured the sanity of all of us by his sheer guts and yes...insanity. Bravo...buy this book, see why he is who he is. See his irrational passion for the tiniest of details lovingly displayed. Hell, you might even learn something.

The media could not be loaded.  I have several books on knot tying but this is by far the best of the bunch.Philippe Petit is exactly the kind of guy you'd want to teach you about tying knots. His life depends on choosing and tying the correct knot for the purpose at hand.The book is such a great resource. It discusses the terminology of knots and knot tying. Each knot is discussed in a very clear way that not only describes the purpose of the knot but the historical context of the knot.Illustrations are plentiful and well-done as are the instructions.I also like the inclusion of many photos of Philippe "in action" during some of his famous tight-wire acts.The only negative comment I'll have about the book is that the font size is too small. Other than that, it's a superb book on learning about knots.A very entertaining and informative book. Highly recommended.

I first came across the book in a huge bookshop in Portland,USA whilst I was on holiday. It featured on the bookshelf but a quick read made me want to bbuy it- especially because of the bit " how to tie a bowline with one hand".I didn't want to have to carry it and cart it home so I immediately searched for it when I got home and found it on Amazon at a good price- as cheap as in the USA.It's more than a book of knots as it is written by a tightrope walker in an interesting he and amusing way with several references to the tightrope walking and the various knots needed. In fact he claims to use all the knots mentioned.I am buying another as a present for my friends seventieth birthday. He is a sailor like me and will enjoy the book which comes with a little bit of rope.

I am only practicing this, hen I have really masters this I would like to make a curtain and I want to make this curtain in white Cotten yarn, I have crouched all my like I have been doing blankets and if I make any more they just will not get used so that is my plan to make lacy like curtains.

Why Different? Well, I have a library of over 150 books on Knots and Knotting related subjects and I can honestly say this is the first knot book that I have read from cover to cover. It needs reading with an open mind and allowing the author due licence to write about knots in his own way - if you do, then I am sure you will enjoy it too. IGKT Librarian.

From the man himself and highly recommended

excellent book