The Arts of the Sailor [Illustrated Edition] Paperback – June 4, 2012

This is the 3rd and last book I purchased on marlinspike. Each book offered a different view and different patterns. Pleasurable reading.

First off let me say, I've had this awhile, so I've had time to thoroughly read it, use it and enjoy it. I first had Mr. Hervey Garrett-Smith's other book the Marlinspike Sailor which is larger but thinner and has some similar things, and some different things, so it really it a good idea to get both. I wrote a review on the Marlinspike Sailor and then realized I had not told about my experience with this one (though I doubt I can outdo some of the highest rated reviews.)Well this book, though chock full of great illustrations, has a lot of text too. Whereas Marlinspike Sailor is more like individual specific projects, this book is like that but in overall context sometimes and he will put in where he thinks something fits. It is a good read and very insightful. Whimsical yet practical writing, a great and interesting mix that works, because sailing and marlinspike craft are pratical and fun.Before long you'll be searching for projects to tie knots on, and doing the sailors' crafts from the book, collecting the tools outlined in the first part, if you don't have them yet. Since reading his books I have gotten piecemeal a lot. I started with practical knots, then decorative, then more marlinspike focused craft. Before long I had sail needles (type he mentions in book which are excellent), canvas, a left-handed sewing palm, and I've made several ditty bags out of the books to hold the supplies or give away to family and friends. I've made rope ladders, swings, hammocks, nets, rope boat fenders. The things you can make from rope are amazing and you'll find very entertaining if you are at all into it.This one has a lot more stuff specific to sailing like reefing sails, towing boats, and some that apply to sailing and life on land, but there is no shortage of things that are not usual if you do not own a sailboat of yore. From sennits to coachwhipping and various braids and chains, to proper knots and their uses, and the rich descriptions and illustrations, this book is always worth it.I'm preparing and learning from books all the time like this what I don't have access to regularly which is a seasoned mariner, but he did and was and can pass it on to you through this book. It's about like having one in your back pocket--Or ditty bag!

Canvas ,rope

Package and item arrived as promised

Not only does it look cute but it has great information in it. Teaching myself and family how to tie certain nots so that we can tie the boat up to the dock properly. Hardcover is nice. Average price.

As a knotcraft and rigging instructor, I hoped this book would add to my knowledge base, but my goal was only minimally met.The mariner's lore was entertaining, and the focus on natural fiber rope and cordage was historically interesting, but the subject matter was largely out-of-date.While the basic "toolbox" of knots was useful, some of the author's terminology was incorrect (such as describing the three working parts of a rope as "working end", "standing part" and "bight" - when the third part is the "bitter end"). He failed to note that a "bight" is an element of knot-making, and ignored the other essential elements: overhand and underhand loop, turn and round turn (which he misidentifies).He also incorrectly categorized knots as either "loop knots" or "knobs". A proper classification would include fastening knots, loop knots (both terminal and midline), noose (or sliding) knots, hitches (including friction hitches) and bends.Some of the other topics were useful, such as canvas work. But there was too much emphasis (for my taste) on decorative knots, and far too much unintelligible jargon with no supporting illustrations on topics such as reefing.

Great explanations and figures describing the lost art of sailing ropework and knots. I was delighted to find this book!

Written, well good instruction, and not too long

Muito bom livro.

I learned new knots and rope handling like whipping and splicing and was able to use that new knowledge right away improve my seamanship.

Como novata en el modelado de barcos de madera, el libro es muy útil.Definitivamente parte de la biblioteca del modelador de barcos

Good book 👍🏻 .. Very informative and educational .. Font size is quite right for me and its dimensions are just the way I like books to be .. ..

I'm happy to get this book. excellent quality.