The Little Book of Fit at Fifty is an excellent plan aimed at the over 50s

Learn to tie knots, splice rope, and use rope in magic tricks done by famous magicians First published in 1920, Alfred C. Gilbert's (1884-1961) classic covers a variety of useful knots as well as trick knots that can be used in stage illusions and close-up magic.

Developed as a replacement for silk parachute lines
in World War II, Paracord has since proven itself as a tough and reliable cord. It can be used to enhance the grip of knives and tools as well as be woven and knotted into standalone gear and accessories.
With over 600 black and white pictures, All Wrapped Up In Paracord will guide you step by step through different wraps and projects perfect for the beginning paracordist. Learn to combine simple wraps and knots to create endless possible combinations to fit any project or situation.
- Learn to tie eight simple wraps that compliment and enhance the grip on knives and tools as well as serve as the basis for other projects.
- Follow along as four different handle wrapping projects are tackled and learn some different techniques along the way.
- Combine wraps and knots to create functional straps, lanyards, key and gear fobs as well as simple survival bracelets that come apart quickly to keep extra cord on hand at all times.

2012 Reprint of 1925 Edition. Exact facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Although mastery of the art of rigging is no longer required on board ships today, serious model builders need to learn this art in miniature. The book is widely considered the best manual every produced on rigging the sail ship. This edition is based on the 1925 revision of the original work first published in 1848. Biddlecombe, a Master in the Royal Navy and former merchant seaman, was the author of the first edition. Biddlecombe divides his work into five parts: (1) Alphabetical Explanation of the Terms and Phrases used in Rigging. (2) Directions for the Performing of Operations Incidental to Rigging, and for Preparing It on Shore. (3) Progressive Method of Rigging Ships. (4) Description of Reeving the Running Rigging and Bending the Sails. (5) Tables of the Quantities and Dimensions of the Standing and Running Rigging of Ships, Brigs, Fore-and-Aft Schooners, and Cutters, etc.

2012 Reprint of 1952 Edition. Exact facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. "Knowledge of marlinspike seamanship is what distinguishes the true seaman from the man who merely ventures upon the water. No one can become a skipper, or should aspire to that distinction, who has not mastered knots, palm and needle work, and the making of small objects on board as necessary. In fact the few required knots, hitches or bends should be so well known that they can be tied blindfolded or in the dark....The greatest single value of this work is the amazing clarity he achieves in his drawings. He has set a new standard for all time. Rope is a difficult subject to draw. Like the sea itself, it changes its appearance constantly"-From the Forward.

2012 Reprint of 1953 Edition. Exact facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Illustrated Edition. A maritime expert offers boating and yachting enthusiasts a complete course in rigging, working, and maintaining a ship. The perfect shipboard reference, this volume is packed with useful "hands-on" information: sailor's tools, basic knots, and useful hitches; hand sewing and canvas work; and dozens of other topics important to safety, economy, and efficiency. Over 100 illustrations. Few twentieth-century writers could equal Hervey Garrett Smith's works on the traditional arts of the sailor; none could surpass them. His descriptions of knotting, splicing, fancy work, canvas work, and the practice of marlinspike seamanship are clear, concise, and evocative. So, too, are his drawings, which are technically accurate, easy to follow, and a joy to behold. The "Arts of the Sailor" is Smith's finest book, a compendium of information that runs the gamut: the anatomy of rope, sailor's tools, knots, hitches, splicing, whipping, wire and rope service, hand sewing, decorative rope work, chafing gear, reefing, towing, cleats, rope-stropped blocks, and making all sorts of gear, including rope mats, a heaving line, a bosun's chair, and a ditty bag.