This beautifully illustrated book covers the commonly-used knots and splices. In full colour, it illustrates clearly how to tie each knot using sequential diagrams and a step-by-step approach. Topics covered include the ten knots everyone should know (plus many others), splices and whippings, how to choose the right rope for the job, the use and benefits of each knot and times where special care is needed.
I took a vehicle rescue class recently that assumed all students had taken a Fire I class, while the class did not actually have prerequisites. Ropes and knots was a section on the final exam that was not really covered in class, and so I had 24 hours to teach myself how to tie about eight knots with no previous experience. This book was very helpful with that -- it's short, but covers all the important basics and is easy to follow.