Carroway Island Ledger | General Notices

Attention Noted Regarding Recently Issued Knot Volume

By Ira Crowley | Carroway Island

Printed volume observed under ordinary conditions.

Reports have reached the Ledger concerning the recent availability of The Waterman’s Essential Marine Knot Book, a small marine volume prepared in the traditional manner and presently understood to be circulating beyond its original expected audience.

The book, The Waterman’s Essential Marine Knot Book (Not Book): A Practical Reference (Use With Care)

which at first appears to concern knots, has been described by some readers as not being entirely limited to knots.

This interpretation has not been officially confirmed.

Several remarks posted publicly on Amazon have indicated that the volume has been received with approval, though the reasons for such approval appear to vary.

One reader described the book as “a surprisingly charming and useful little marine reference,” making particular note of its old-style boating appearance and what was termed “dry humor.”

Another reader reported having expected “a simple guide about knots,” before finding the work to be “something far more thoughtful.”

It was not immediately clear whether this development was intended by the author, the illustrator, the publisher, or the knots themselves.

The illustrated knot plates have been cited as practical and orderly, while the corresponding “Not” entries have drawn separate attention.

These entries appear to record examples of fastenings, arrangements, and assumptions that may be observed in marine life, household life, and certain forms of community behavior.

“Anyone who has spent time around boats has seen things tied badly,” one review stated, though no specific vessel was named.

Some residents questioned whether a book identifying improper securing methods might cause unnecessary reflection among persons who had previously considered their own arrangements satisfactory.

“There are knots,” one resident said, “and then there are things people call knots because they have not yet come loose.”

No objection has been filed.

The Ledger understands that copies of the volume remain available through Amazon, where it has so far received favorable notice from readers.

The degree to which this favorable notice will continue is unknown.

Preparation is also underway for the next Ledger publication, The Waterman’s Almanac, expected to be released in June.

That volume is said to include material of seasonal, tidal, practical, and possibly advisory nature, though the final contents have not been publicly settled.

Whether the Almanac will contain knots, warnings, tables, sayings, incidents, or matters best read twice has not been clarified.

Residents are advised not to confuse the Knot Book with the forthcoming Almanac, although both are believed to involve watermen and the consequences of confidence.

Further notice may be provided when circumstances require it.

Filed under: General Notices, Printed Materials