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Yong Mao

Thomas Fink

The 85 Ways to Tie a Tie: The Science and Aesthetics of Tie Knots Paperback – 5 Nov. 2001

by Thomas Fink (Author), Yong Mao (Author)

4.4 88 ratings

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Two physicists prove that there are not just four ways to tie a tie, but a further eighty-one. ‘The 85 Ways to Tie a Tie’ unravels the history of ties, the story of the discovery of the new knots and some very elegant mathematics in action.

If Einstein had been left alone in Tie Rack for long enough perhaps he would have worked it out : why do people tie their ties in only four ways? And how many other possibilites are there? Two Cambridge University physicists, research fellows working from the Cavendish laboratories, have discovered via a recherche branch of mathematics – knot theory – that although only four knots are traditionally used in tying neck ties another eighty-one exist. This is the story of their discovery, of the history of neck ties and of the equations that express whether a tie is handsome or not. Of the eighty-one new knots, six are practical and elegant. We now have somewhere else to go after the Pratt, the Four-in-Hand, the Full and Half Windsor. Sartorial stylishness is wrapped effortlessly around popular mathematics. A concept developed to describe the movement of gas molecules – the notion of persistent walks around a triangular lattice – also describes the options for tie tying. Pure maths becomes pure fashion in a delightfully designed little package from Fourth Estate.

Print length

144 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Fourth Estate
Publication date

5 Nov. 2001
ISBN-10

1841155683
ISBN-13

978-1841155685
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147
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Product description

Review

A masterpiece of ludicrous arcana by two Cambridge researchers. It's the best digest of useless knowledge since the World Encyclopedia of Fly Fishing. -- John Walsh, Independent

From the Back Cover

If Einstein had been left alone in Tie Rack for long enough perhaps he would have worked it out : why do people tie their ties in only 4 ways? And how many other possibilites are there?

Two Cambridge University physicists, research fellows working from the Cavendish laboratories, have discovered via a recherche branch of mathematics – knot theory – that although only four knots are traditionally used in tying neck ties another 81 exist. This is the story of their discovery, of the history of neck ties and of the equations that express whether a tie is handsome or not.

Of the 81 new knots, 6 are practical and elegant. We now have somewhere else to go after the Pratt, the Four-in-Hand, the Full and Half Windsor. Sartorial stylishness is wrapped effortlessly around popular mathematics. A concept developed to describe the movement of gas molecules – the notion of persistent walks around a triangular lattice – also describes the options for tie tying. Pure maths becomes pure fashion in a delightfully designed little package from Fourth Estate.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Fourth Estate; New edition (5 Nov. 2001)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 144 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1841155683
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1841155685

Best Sellers Rank: 784,073 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- 589 in Mathematical Games
- 781 in Recreational Mathematics
- 898 in Fashion History

Customer reviews:
4.4 88 ratings

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Yong Mao
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4.4 out of 5

88 global ratings

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Russ Collins

Tiny Tome, Big Bucks

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 24 July 2014

Verified Purchase

First impression: This is a small book! With the prices posted for this little bood, I was under the impression that it would be more substantial. Second, the paper quality is that of a "bargain basement" book, with the exception of the color plates. Third, with an original retail price of 5.99 British Pounds ($10.22) the prices asked for this tome are extremely overpriced! What's more, the majority of the "ways" to knot a tie are declared to be unaesthetic, with only about a dozen deemed aesthetic. I believe a fair "used" price for this book is about $15, and I only price it that high due to the exhorbitantly lofty prices posted on both the US and UK versions of Amazon.

The history of the tie and explanation of methodology used are fine, but this information is also availabe in much more resonably priced offerings. Nevertheless, since I now am the owner of an utterly overpriced little book, I will attempt each of the knots and at least redeem some value from this purchase.

One person found this helpful

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KateGi

Everything you ever wanted to know about ties and more...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 11 January 2013

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I first heard of this book some time ago and had earmarked it for purchase as a gift for one of the men in my life - husband, father, brother... In the end I bought it for my husband, and we've found it fascinating. It covers the history of tie-wearing, the mathematics of the authors' method of calculating the various ways of tying a tie, and, of course, each of the 85 ways to tie a tie with diagrams, names (if applicable) and commentary. Very thorough, but not at all dull - in fact, absolutely fascinating! My husband was interested to find out the name of the way he normally ties his tie, and also commented that it would be handy for future reference whenever he needed a bigger knot, or wore a different style of collar.

One person found this helpful

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woodsyamy

Nice but they all look the same!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 15 November 2016

Verified Purchase

A very interesting book - although half the knots look the same! Bought it as a gift and very happy with it's appearance. As I say, just annoying that there aren't as many more flashy/unique knots in there that he could mess around with as they most of them appear the same knot as the end product. Colour photos help.

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Ann O'Nymus

A fantastic examination of the history, art and science of men's neckwear.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 11 December 2013

Verified Purchase

A thoroughly enjoyable little tome, with excellent descriptions, diagrams and explanations.

It predates 50 Shades Of Grey, however, so anyone looking for how to use ties for bondage purposes might be better served by Geoffrey Budworth's "A Handbook of Knots and Knot Tying: A practical guide to over 200 tying techniques". And don't forget your safeword.

One person found this helpful

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Vivek K. Sarawgi

A smart tie is always a winner.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 18 July 2016

Verified Purchase

An excellent book. it is refreshing that this book is trying to teach us how to be smartly dressed. I will be using this book to teach cadets different ways to master the art of tying a tie.

One person found this helpful

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Mr D H Sykes

Wonderful book, gives a mathematical treatment of knot theory ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 11 May 2015

Verified Purchase

Wonderful book, gives a mathematical treatment of knot theory but most importantly, shows you how to tie every possible tie knot. Essential reading for every gentleman or anyone who ever wondered how to tie a Half Windsor or any other tie knot.

One person found this helpful

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fritz renkert

Great book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 8 April 2013

Verified Purchase

Book is in great shape. I've learned a lot, but I was expecting some more unique type knots. Still recommend this to any tie enthusiast.

Helpful

Nick

The 85 Ways To Tie A Tie : The Science And Aesthetics of Tie Knots

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 16 April 2014

Verified Purchase

Great book, wasn't aware there were 85 different ways to tie a tie. Have gone through the book and tried most of the knots out, really good.

One person found this helpful

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The 85 Ways to Tie a Tie: The Science and Aesthetics of Tie Knots Paperback – 5 Nov. 2001

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Yong Mao

Thomas Fink

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