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Die 85 Methoden, Eine Krawatte Zu Binden
In a book that is quirky, charming, informative, unique, two Cambridge physicists, using a model based on atomic motion and a branch of mathematics--knot theory--reveal the myriad ways to tie a tie. A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life.--Oscar Wilde. Diagrams & photos.
143 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
Thomas Fink
51 books6 followersThomas Fink grew up in New York and Texas. He is a theoretical physicist and
writer and lives in London.
He designed THE MAN'S BOOK himself. He is a man.
writer and lives in London.
He designed THE MAN'S BOOK himself. He is a man.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 26, 2013
THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE...
Well, maybe not my WHOLE life, but it has done wonders for that minute each weekday morning when I tie my tie. Before this book the most interesting part of this ritual was picking a colorful tie to match my clothes. Then came the boring task of getting one of the two knots I knew tied correctly. Now I can chose a knot that fits my collar line and the thickness of the tie.
What this book doesn't cover is the art of the tie. Ties are the most artistic part of a man's wardrobe and yet this book ignores the design element of the fabric and focuses on the knot tied about the neck to hold the tie in place. There is an introductory section on the history of neck cloths that traces them back to an ancient Chinese emperor and discusses all the major precursors to the "long tie." Then the authors, who are both physicists, give a brief introduction to Topology and its branch, Knot Theory, and we are off to the fun. Using higher mathematics and a few basic assumptions about ties that they call "constraints" they come up with (you guessed it) 85 ways to tie a tie.
Although I have read the whole book, I have not tied all the knots so I can't vouch for this next part. They added additional "constraints" for balance and symmetry, and narrowed these 85 down to 13 that meet their demanding criteria. Even if they are right and none of the others are superb, 13 is enough to make a boring routine into an exciting choice. Still there is the thrill of the undiscovered in the 72 they rejected. One of them may be the perfect knot for that beautiful silk Indian block print tie that hasn't looked good with either of my two knots, but that I love too much to throw away. I have finally learned the names of my two original knots and learned enough about tie knots to recognize some of the more famous knots I see on others.
The book is illustrated with black-and-white photos of the famous and not-so-famous wearing various knots in their ties and has the most wonderful diagrams that make tie knots a joy to learn. A great book for any man who wears a tie on a regular basis.
Well, maybe not my WHOLE life, but it has done wonders for that minute each weekday morning when I tie my tie. Before this book the most interesting part of this ritual was picking a colorful tie to match my clothes. Then came the boring task of getting one of the two knots I knew tied correctly. Now I can chose a knot that fits my collar line and the thickness of the tie.
What this book doesn't cover is the art of the tie. Ties are the most artistic part of a man's wardrobe and yet this book ignores the design element of the fabric and focuses on the knot tied about the neck to hold the tie in place. There is an introductory section on the history of neck cloths that traces them back to an ancient Chinese emperor and discusses all the major precursors to the "long tie." Then the authors, who are both physicists, give a brief introduction to Topology and its branch, Knot Theory, and we are off to the fun. Using higher mathematics and a few basic assumptions about ties that they call "constraints" they come up with (you guessed it) 85 ways to tie a tie.
Although I have read the whole book, I have not tied all the knots so I can't vouch for this next part. They added additional "constraints" for balance and symmetry, and narrowed these 85 down to 13 that meet their demanding criteria. Even if they are right and none of the others are superb, 13 is enough to make a boring routine into an exciting choice. Still there is the thrill of the undiscovered in the 72 they rejected. One of them may be the perfect knot for that beautiful silk Indian block print tie that hasn't looked good with either of my two knots, but that I love too much to throw away. I have finally learned the names of my two original knots and learned enough about tie knots to recognize some of the more famous knots I see on others.
The book is illustrated with black-and-white photos of the famous and not-so-famous wearing various knots in their ties and has the most wonderful diagrams that make tie knots a joy to learn. A great book for any man who wears a tie on a regular basis.
January 26, 2019
E così, dopo aver passato in rassegna ben 85 modi diversi di annodare la cravatta, continuerò ad usare i soliti 2 nodi abituali.
December 17, 2019
A delightful little book that gives a tidy history of men’s neckwear, a brief overview of knot theory, and a compact model for describing and evaluating tie knots, alongside its exhaustive listing of all the reasonable (and some unreasonable) ones. I discovered that the Windsor I had always thought I was tying is in fact a variant of it (knot 35)!
It’s quite a short read, so if you’re at all interested, I recommend it.
It’s quite a short read, so if you’re at all interested, I recommend it.
May 21, 2023
I bought this book from Borders bookstore (if anyone still remembers that place) when it first came out. I was going through a suit and tie phase and looking to expand my tie knot options. 85 ways to tie a tie! Just what I was looking for. So, I started going through the different knots, wearing one a day and while I gave it a decent go, I never did make it through the 85 methods (I might have done fifteen which I realize was not even a quarter of the methods). I realized that many of the knots were too complex if I was in a hurry, and I defaulted to what was quick and easy. Still, I did learn about different knot types and the different knot considerations when taking into account the thickness (or thinness) of a tie, the type of collared shirt being worn and the history lesson on the evolution of neckwear provided. The book and the practice did pay off because I wear a tie pretty much every day at work. Perhaps it's time to try out some of the tie options I never got to.
September 10, 2018
Un bel libricino che non dovrebbe mancare a chi ama la cravatta come accessorio d'abbigliamento ma anche come oggetto esteticamente piacevole. Consigliato anche agli amanti dei nodi.
January 4, 2020
I'll confess I've only read the chapters and haven't yet tied all the knots.
But, you should read this book if only to understand "Yankee Doodle Dandy."
But, you should read this book if only to understand "Yankee Doodle Dandy."
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December 31, 2023The Full Windsor is the only way to go, seeing as how it is the only reasonably sized, symmetrical, self-releasing knot.
February 18, 2025
Must read for anyone who gets bored of the classic four-in-hand. Into maths? Into ties? This book takes the best of both worlds!
August 28, 2013
It is a nice little book describing the 85 different ways to tie tie knots. I do not wear ties on a regular basis. Only time I have worn ties is probably for an interview. I know only one knot. So, it was nice to know that so many different types of knots exist. So may be next time I wear a tie I can try one of these knots.
I liked the way these knots have been formalized into different categories using symbols. I being a mathematician by training did really appreciate the mathematics behind the style.
It was a very easy read since most pages just illustrated the different types of knots. I skipped over a lot of pages once I got the hang of it. I have to say that in the end I was tempted to try out some of the knots, which I did. I hope to keep the summary of these knots for future reference.
I liked the way these knots have been formalized into different categories using symbols. I being a mathematician by training did really appreciate the mathematics behind the style.
It was a very easy read since most pages just illustrated the different types of knots. I skipped over a lot of pages once I got the hang of it. I have to say that in the end I was tempted to try out some of the knots, which I did. I hope to keep the summary of these knots for future reference.
October 2, 2007
This is an excellent handbook of how to tie tie knots. The beginning of the book is terrific, describing the fashion history of the tie and tie knots. The remainder of the book is dedicated to tying the knots. The illustrations are easy to follow. However, while the invented notation seems intimidating, it is quite easy to learn, and allows you to tie knots without illustration.
Acquiring this book can be difficult and expensive. I would search UK and international websites for inexpensive versions of the book. I was able to find a paperback copy for $3 from a Canadian website.
For a taste of the book, click here: [http://www.tcm.phy.cam.ac.uk/~tmf20/t...]
Acquiring this book can be difficult and expensive. I would search UK and international websites for inexpensive versions of the book. I was able to find a paperback copy for $3 from a Canadian website.
For a taste of the book, click here: [http://www.tcm.phy.cam.ac.uk/~tmf20/t...]
January 24, 2008
The math history of how the book developed is interesting enough, and the content of the book is fun to either read or skim -- although, sartorial history doesn't really hold my attention from cover to cover all in one sitting, I'm sorry to admit. Grab a tie and follow along at home, and try to keep a few of the anecdotes handy for buses, waiting rooms, etc.
January 2, 2013
A very slight book but interesting enough. The history of western male neckwear is amusing, although it unavoidably deals with rather too many historical figures who one would gladly punch in the nose for being foppish idiots.
After looking through the diagrams of the various possible tie knots, I did want to dig out my old ties and experiment, so it did its job.
After looking through the diagrams of the various possible tie knots, I did want to dig out my old ties and experiment, so it did its job.
February 7, 2013
Some interesting history. Some useful tips as to why one knot versus another.
This is what happens when you take a scientific approach to an art form. I found it to lack the artistic flair one should have in fashion. I was really disappointed after seeing someone sporting the Eldredge knot. Now that is what I consider a very interesting knot.
This is what happens when you take a scientific approach to an art form. I found it to lack the artistic flair one should have in fashion. I was really disappointed after seeing someone sporting the Eldredge knot. Now that is what I consider a very interesting knot.
February 7, 2013
A nice overview, but the notation isn't quite up to the job with certain knots, because it lacks anything for a "tuck". For example, they picture Onassis with a variation that is not distinguishable from the standard using the notation.
January 16, 2015
If you ever want to illustrate to someone that Mathematics is about creativity, elegance and beauty, not numbers and predetermined fact, this is a good example to cite. There's a surprising amount of accessible mathematics in the necktie.
August 12, 2008
An excellent book, which combines topology and sartorial elegance.
January 16, 2014
I love this book for it's history of men's neck-wear, it's math nerdiness approach to necktieing, and the new cool necktie knots I now know and use!
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May 23, 2014Really useful for the tie-wearing reader, and also contains a fairly clear explanation of the theory behind the 85 ways.
October 21, 2014
Really! Besides offering a history of the necktie the authors actually show you 85 ways you can tie a necktie. Kind of geeky.
January 20, 2016
By the way its usefull book
May 2, 2016
I love both math and neckties. This book covers both.
February 6, 2019
Solo el primer capítulo es bueno. Cuando te explica el origen de la palabra corbata y cómo fueron los primeros hombre en usar chalina primeramente. Lo demás ya no se entiende.
October 2, 2007
Whimsical.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews