Book excerpt: In this thoroughly modern guide, author Percy W. Blandford focuses on styles in use today, many tailored to new synthetic ropemaking materials. He untangles the secrets behind a fascinating array of knots, including: Basic knots, from common bends to bowlines Joining knots, including the "weaver's," "surgeon's," and "thief" knots Running and multiple loops Fisherman's and climber's knots ... plus many other varieties, as well as the best way to secure loops, rings, and hitches. A detailed look at splicing ranges from fundamentals to methods for use with braided rope and wire. More than 290 diagrams appear throughout the text, illustrating the step-by-step formation of every knot.