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Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization
A unique and compelling adventure through the history of rope and its impact on civilization, in the vein of single subject bestsellers like Salt and Cod
Tim Queeney is a sailor who knows more about rope and its importance to humankind than most. In Rope, Queeney takes readers on a ride through the history of rope and the way it weaves itself through the story of civilization. Considering Magellan’s world-circling ships, the 15th century fleet of Admiral Zheng He, or a Polynesian multihull with crab claw sails, he shows how without rope, none of their adventurous voyages and their discoveries would have been possible. Time traveling, he describes the building of the pyramids, the Roman Coliseum, Hagia Sofia, Notre Dame, the Sultan Hasan Mosque, the Brooklyn Bridge and countless other constructions that would not have been possible without rope.
Not content to just look at rope’s past, Queeney looks at its future and how the re-invention of rope using steel strands to make wire rope and later synthetic fibers will likely provide the strength for cables to support elevators into space. Making the story or rope real for readers, Queeney tells remarkable nautical stories of his own reliance on rope to survive - “While approaching Buzzard’s Bay in the dark of night, we were hit by a fierce squall…The wrong line was eased, and the 200-pound hunk of wood that holds the top of the sail, went flying out of control, swaying wildly and threatening to knock us into the inky ocean. Finally, the proper ropes were located in the dark, firm hands hauled them taught and the gaff was brought under control. It was a sobering display of rope’s often unacknowledged role and uncredited importance.” Rope is history, adventure and the story of one of the world’s most common tools that has made it possible for humans to advance throughout the century.
Tim Queeney is a sailor who knows more about rope and its importance to humankind than most. In Rope, Queeney takes readers on a ride through the history of rope and the way it weaves itself through the story of civilization. Considering Magellan’s world-circling ships, the 15th century fleet of Admiral Zheng He, or a Polynesian multihull with crab claw sails, he shows how without rope, none of their adventurous voyages and their discoveries would have been possible. Time traveling, he describes the building of the pyramids, the Roman Coliseum, Hagia Sofia, Notre Dame, the Sultan Hasan Mosque, the Brooklyn Bridge and countless other constructions that would not have been possible without rope.
Not content to just look at rope’s past, Queeney looks at its future and how the re-invention of rope using steel strands to make wire rope and later synthetic fibers will likely provide the strength for cables to support elevators into space. Making the story or rope real for readers, Queeney tells remarkable nautical stories of his own reliance on rope to survive - “While approaching Buzzard’s Bay in the dark of night, we were hit by a fierce squall…The wrong line was eased, and the 200-pound hunk of wood that holds the top of the sail, went flying out of control, swaying wildly and threatening to knock us into the inky ocean. Finally, the proper ropes were located in the dark, firm hands hauled them taught and the gaff was brought under control. It was a sobering display of rope’s often unacknowledged role and uncredited importance.” Rope is history, adventure and the story of one of the world’s most common tools that has made it possible for humans to advance throughout the century.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published August 12, 2025
69 people are currently reading
7389 people want to read
About the author
Tim Queeney
13 books76 followersTIM QUEENEY is the former editor of Ocean Navigator, a magazine for offshore voyagers. Tim's work has appeared in Professional Mariner, American History, and Aviation History. He has had short stories published in the crime anthology Landfall, Best New England Crime Stories 2018 and in the speculative anthology A Land Without Mirrors. Tim lives in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, with his wife and a rescue dog, Frankie. A life-long sailor, he has taught celestial navigation, radar navigation and coastal piloting ashore and at sea — where he tied plenty of knots and handled many a rope.
Preorder my book "Rope - How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization" https://bit.ly/RopeBook
Preorder my book "Rope - How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization" https://bit.ly/RopeBook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
August 21, 2025
While many short lengths of rope helped countless individuals through the centuries, rope also was a tool of human innovation writ large through collective action. Just as many small strands come together to form a rope, so, too, did many people gather to perform the biggest of tasks. The exemplar of this from the ancient world is the Egyptian pyramids. While we don’t know exactly how these human-built mountains were assembled, we can be sure that rope was an essential tool in their construction. In this way rope stands as both a tool and a symbol of humans working together to achieve the greatest things.--------------------------------------
The concept of rope remains timeless; what changed over millennia was the application of the human mind toward making ever better rope and in devising ways to use it.Neanderthals used rope 50,000 years ago. Did Homo Erectus, Habilis, Australopithecus, or any of the sundry other homo genus cousins get there first? Dunno. Maybe, but no thread of evidence for any rope-making before Neanderthal has been found. Still, it was a helluva long time ago, and ropy material tends not to survive forever, unlike stone tools, so…maybe. Makes rope rank with fire and stone tools, (although, rope was a form of tool-making, it probably came after stone tools) as basic elements of civilization. (Oh, and let’s not forget Duct Tape)
Tim Queeney - image from his site - shot by Molly Haley
The breadth of this book reminds me of the opening scene of
2001:A Space Odyssey, taking us at it does from the dawn of tool-using man (or pre-man) to the futuristic apex of a 21st century space station. Tim Queeney takes us on a past-to-future journey of similar timescale, albeit without the perplexing Star Child ending.
There are books that cover a seemingly narrow subject in vast depth. I have read several of this sort, stovepipe books I suppose one might call them. (Banana, A Perfect Red, The Age of Deer, Eels, Just My Type, or many others) It is usually the case that the information revealed therein broadens our appreciation for the subject matter at hand, generating a lot of reactions like, “I never knew that,” or “wait, what?” Rope could be considered a stovepipe book in that it is focused on a seemingly single thing. Yet, once one dives in, it soon becomes apparent that the subject matter is massively broad, touching on a vast array of human history and enterprise. It seems less a narrow stovepipe look than a Poppins-esque vista of the rooftops of London. For a book of such modest length, it offers a broad, deep, and surprising look at one of the seminal tools of human existence.
Image from Disney
For Tim Queeney, this book is an homage to his nautical father, the man who taught him everything he knows about sailing, making manifest the emotional and experiential ties that bind father to son. As one might imagine there is a vast amount here related to seamanship through the ages. And much wisdom to be had for aspiring sailors and fishermen. He notes knots in abundance. Sadly, in the AREs that I read, paper and Kindle, there were no illustrations of these or the other devices and tools that Queeney describes. I cannot say if this is also the case in the hardcover release. I added links to a couple of old seamanship books in EXTRA STUFF if you find yourself wanting some instruction on how to twist and tie (or untie) this or that obscure tangle of rope. And there are sundry images available on Queeney’s site, although not on knot tying, at least not that I found.
The Lifeline by Winslow Homer - from the Philadelphia Museum of Art
In a slightly related vein, it was fun to learn of the need for rope skills in the world of entertainment. Maneuvering sets on stage take a set of skills that any sailor would easily recognize, and that any stage pro would need to have mastered.
My personal experience with rope is minimal. I recall as a stripling hanging out with friends in the Morris Heights neighborhood in Da Bronx, a place that offered the presence of sundry empty lots. There was one in particular, a large one that featured a singularly tall tree. I have no idea which foolhardy child undertook the task, but someone had climbed up that tree and slung across a sturdy branch a rope that ended in an engorged knot about fifty feet below. (Well, of course, someone with a strong arm might have just tossed it up and over from the ground, but where’s the fun in imagining that?) The Bronx is a hilly place, so the improvised swing began on the uphill side and swung out over the downhill side. Losing one’s grip at top could result in a slight bruise and a dose of embarrassment. Letting slip on the downhill side, particularly if the drop was unintended, could result in weeks in a cast. I swung out on this very thick knot of rope a time or three, but, being of a risk-averse sort, considered that sufficient. My other related, rope-involved escapade occurred as a much older idiot. I will not repeat it here, but direct you to my review of Rivers of Power for the mortifying details. Otherwise, no further rope-related personal experiences of note pop to mind, so you are spared that.
Section of cable showing strands in the cables supporting the Brooklyn Bridge - image from Catskill Archive
There is also a lot having to do with things quite far removed from the briny deep and the boards. Major world constructions of diverse sorts, pyramids, and ancient megaliths, for example. Surprisingly, in Inkan (Queeney’s spelling) traditions, rope, khipu, was used, through an intricate language of knots, to tell stories. One could say that these ropes in particular were used to create yarns. Some might, but not me. You will be surprised to learn who perfected the art of the lasso. And then there is some history on notions of knots in the realm of matrimony. As with so many things, one person’s tool is another person’s weapon. He racks his brain to report on rope as a tool of restraint, pain infliction, and termination. Subjects cover land transportation, the manufacture of rope, construction, communication (sub-Atlantic cables) rope tricks, climbing, space exploration and plenty more. He also provides considerable attention to materials that were used in the past and the materials that make up much of the rope-assigned tasks of our age, from the invention of rayon and nylon to the use of metal like steel, to the superstrength fibers of today, like Kevlar.
A drawing of how the steep ramp, poles and ropes could have helped the workers lift the huge blocks of stone used to construct the pyramids. - image from Kids News
Queeney has a very engaging style. Only rarely will you find it necessary to struggle past some technical jargon. His enthusiasm is infectious. No mask needed. He will throw a lariat around your attention and slowly pull you in.
A space elevator made of carbon nanotubes stretches from Earth to space in this artist’s illustration. - image from Scientific American – source: Victor Habbick Visions/Science Source
Whenever anyone proclaims “no strings attached,” you should know better. Rope makes it clear that there are, and for at least 50,000 years always have been, strings attached, and that without them, we might still be traversing waterways powered by oars and muscle, communicating face to face, and satisfying ourselves with building structures of exceedingly modest dimensions. The discovery and implementation of rope technology has allowed us, as in the Indian Rope Trick, to climb into places we had never known before. So does this remarkable book.
Review posted - 08/15/25
Publication date – 08/12/25
I received digital and paper AREs of Rope from St. Martin’s in return for a fair review. Thanks, folks, and thanks to NetGalley for facilitating. And, uh, I held up my end, so could you untie me, please?
This review will soon be cross-posted on my site, Coot’s Reviews. Stop by and say Hi!
=============================EXTRA STUFF
Links to Queeney’s personal, FB, Instagram, Twitter and Blue Sky pages
Profile – from his site
In addition to writing books, I was the longtime editor of and columnist for Ocean Navigator, a magazine for serious offshore sailors. At ON I also taught celestial, coastal and radar navigation as an instructor for the Ocean Navigator School of Seamanship, both in hotel meeting rooms ashore and on tall ships at sea. I love to sail, hike, get lost in museums and spend timeless hours drawing and painting. I’m a dad to three sons and a rescue dog. Am a NE Patriots and Arsenal fan and tend to reference a Stanley Kubrick film every two minutes or so. I’m also that annoying night sky watcher who is always pointing out the constellation Cassiopeia — because its forms a big W, which reminds me of my wonderful wife, Wendy.Interviews
I live in Maine and can hear the fog horns of three lighthouses when the fog rolls in.
-----History Unplugged - Rope Equals Fire as Humanity’s Most Important Invention: It Allowed Hunting Mammoths and Building Pyramids - with Scott Rank - audio – 58:27
-----Rope Equals Fire as Humanity’s Most Important Invention: It Allowed Hunting Mammoths and Building Pyramids - text extract of the above podcast
-----Maine Calling - Rope by Jennifer Rooks, Jonathan P. Smith – audio – 50:36
Items of Interest from the author
-----The History Reader - Rope’s Role in Colonial America’s Tarring and Feathering
-----Queeney’s blog
----- Dragging a Ship Uphill? Gonna Need Some Rope - On Werner Herzog making Fitzcarraldo
----- Ben Franklin Gets Juiced With a Little Hemp
-----Rope Ends: Moving Massive Stone Blocks the Natural Way
Items of Interest
----- The Kedge Anchor, or, Young Sailor's Assistant - an 1847 source of knowledge maritime, including instructions for tying dozens of sorts of knots
-----The Ashley Book of Knots - 1944 – thousands of knots, with illustrations
-----Earth-Logs - Earliest evidence for rope making: a sophisticated tool by Steve Drury
-----Arcanth - Making Rope - Medieval to Edwardian technique - video – 2:49 – this is amazing!
-----Wiki - the Indian Rope Trick
August 8, 2025
Pre-Read Notes:
I adore historical accountings of useful objects or goods. It's so fun to look at all of human history from such a tiny but fascinating perspective.
"...We could call it the String Revolution."" p14
"In that building, long and low,
With its windows all a-row,
Like the port-holes of a hulk,
Human spiders spin and spin,
Backward down their threads so thin
Dropping, each a hempen bulk." p108
Final Review
This book covers a lot of territory; when you read it you will be struck by the immensity of ways rope has touched, influenced, even built human society. This is anything but a dry read, in fact in places, it gets pretty morbid (but still relevant to the subject). For sure, this book is a trip.
I recommend ROPE to readers who are interested in birdseye view histories of humanity and human society. I feel that only certain kinds of histories can do this, as does the history of rope.
My Favorite Things:
✔️ "Its cultural significance is revealed by a parade of expressions: “roped me in,”“rope it off,”“tied in knots,”“rope-a-dope,”“roped and branded,”“give him/ her enough rope,”“at the end of my rope,”“throw me a rope,”“give me some slack,”“on the ropes ,”“go piss up a rope,”“learn the ropes,”“a rope of sand.” This incomplete list of everyday sayings just shows how deeply into our consciousness rope has entwined itself." p15 Yes, this does indicate how strong and deep humanity's relationship is to rope.
✔️ This history connects with so many facets of human history, it's really fascinating.
✔️ There is just a *ton* of data in this book, and because it's well organized, I don't feel bombarded.
✔️ This subject is just a doorway into a huge spectrum of human behavior and activity. Reading this book makes me realize how ingenious we are...and how cruel we can be.
✔️ At the end, an open door;
Squares of sunshine on the floor
Light the long and dusky lane;
And the whirring of a wheel,
Dull and drowsy, makes me feel
All its spokes are in my brain. p108
I adored all the poetry about rope that was included in this volume. More than anything else, these verses let me connect to the ancient people who used this still important tool for their lives.
Notes:
1. Section 1, Strand 9 contains tons of violent history surrounding the use of rope. This section may be very triggering for some readers.
2. Content warnings: torture, lynching, execution, wounding, drowning, public punishment, whipping, racism and race-driven torture and murder, harm to animals, animal death
Thank you to the author Tim Queeney, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of ROPE. All views are mine.
I adore historical accountings of useful objects or goods. It's so fun to look at all of human history from such a tiny but fascinating perspective.
"...We could call it the String Revolution."" p14
"In that building, long and low,
With its windows all a-row,
Like the port-holes of a hulk,
Human spiders spin and spin,
Backward down their threads so thin
Dropping, each a hempen bulk." p108
Final Review
This book covers a lot of territory; when you read it you will be struck by the immensity of ways rope has touched, influenced, even built human society. This is anything but a dry read, in fact in places, it gets pretty morbid (but still relevant to the subject). For sure, this book is a trip.
I recommend ROPE to readers who are interested in birdseye view histories of humanity and human society. I feel that only certain kinds of histories can do this, as does the history of rope.
My Favorite Things:
✔️ "Its cultural significance is revealed by a parade of expressions: “roped me in,”“rope it off,”“tied in knots,”“rope-a-dope,”“roped and branded,”“give him/ her enough rope,”“at the end of my rope,”“throw me a rope,”“give me some slack,”“on the ropes ,”“go piss up a rope,”“learn the ropes,”“a rope of sand.” This incomplete list of everyday sayings just shows how deeply into our consciousness rope has entwined itself." p15 Yes, this does indicate how strong and deep humanity's relationship is to rope.
✔️ This history connects with so many facets of human history, it's really fascinating.
✔️ There is just a *ton* of data in this book, and because it's well organized, I don't feel bombarded.
✔️ This subject is just a doorway into a huge spectrum of human behavior and activity. Reading this book makes me realize how ingenious we are...and how cruel we can be.
✔️ At the end, an open door;
Squares of sunshine on the floor
Light the long and dusky lane;
And the whirring of a wheel,
Dull and drowsy, makes me feel
All its spokes are in my brain. p108
I adored all the poetry about rope that was included in this volume. More than anything else, these verses let me connect to the ancient people who used this still important tool for their lives.
Notes:
1. Section 1, Strand 9 contains tons of violent history surrounding the use of rope. This section may be very triggering for some readers.
2. Content warnings: torture, lynching, execution, wounding, drowning, public punishment, whipping, racism and race-driven torture and murder, harm to animals, animal death
Thank you to the author Tim Queeney, publishers St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of ROPE. All views are mine.
July 19, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Aug. 12, 2025
Tim Queeney grew up around sailors and is very knowledgeable around boats, including how to operate and maintain them, which led to his fascination with ropes. Throughout the years, rope has had many uses, from tools that are used in building and boating, to instruments of torture, to being used on stage and screen and as part of the necessary implements for spelunkers and other adventure seekers (among many more).
Queeney’s “Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization” is broken down into parts, and each chapter discusses an important role rope played in a specific era of humanity. Starting from the earliest civilizations where some of the very first uses of rope were able to be traced, through to rope’s use to help construct the pyramids, to its use in circus acts and theatre productions, rope is versatile and one of the most useful, and overlooked, elements in society.
There are a few sections in this story that I thoroughly enjoyed, such as hearing about the historic uses of rope in Egyptian society and Roman times, as well as how rope was used as a torture and execution device for legal “punishment” in the past. On the other hand, there are many sections that I found myself skimming through, especially in more scientific sections where the chemical makeup or the construction process of rope is discussed.
I never thought of the importance of rope as it relates to civilization before, so if nothing else, Queeney’s book definitely had me looking at rope as a tool in different iterations throughout history. The book itself would be interesting for sailors, adventure seekers, or manufacturers where rope is an everyday part of life but it likely won’t be as engaging for most people. It was thought-provoking, and it definitely provided me with information I did not know before, so I definitely finished “Rope” with some interesting thoughts to share but overall, “Rope” was only moderately appealing in certain sections, while the rest left me bored.
Queeney writes well, the story is well-researched and well-constructed and I can say that I learned a few things. “Rope” is a book designed for a specific audience and it won’t appeal to everyone. However, if you fall into the group that enjoys learning about the historical importance of tools throughout humanity and the role of rope throughout civilization, I recommend Queeney’s “Rope”.
Expected publication date: Aug. 12, 2025
Tim Queeney grew up around sailors and is very knowledgeable around boats, including how to operate and maintain them, which led to his fascination with ropes. Throughout the years, rope has had many uses, from tools that are used in building and boating, to instruments of torture, to being used on stage and screen and as part of the necessary implements for spelunkers and other adventure seekers (among many more).
Queeney’s “Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization” is broken down into parts, and each chapter discusses an important role rope played in a specific era of humanity. Starting from the earliest civilizations where some of the very first uses of rope were able to be traced, through to rope’s use to help construct the pyramids, to its use in circus acts and theatre productions, rope is versatile and one of the most useful, and overlooked, elements in society.
There are a few sections in this story that I thoroughly enjoyed, such as hearing about the historic uses of rope in Egyptian society and Roman times, as well as how rope was used as a torture and execution device for legal “punishment” in the past. On the other hand, there are many sections that I found myself skimming through, especially in more scientific sections where the chemical makeup or the construction process of rope is discussed.
I never thought of the importance of rope as it relates to civilization before, so if nothing else, Queeney’s book definitely had me looking at rope as a tool in different iterations throughout history. The book itself would be interesting for sailors, adventure seekers, or manufacturers where rope is an everyday part of life but it likely won’t be as engaging for most people. It was thought-provoking, and it definitely provided me with information I did not know before, so I definitely finished “Rope” with some interesting thoughts to share but overall, “Rope” was only moderately appealing in certain sections, while the rest left me bored.
Queeney writes well, the story is well-researched and well-constructed and I can say that I learned a few things. “Rope” is a book designed for a specific audience and it won’t appeal to everyone. However, if you fall into the group that enjoys learning about the historical importance of tools throughout humanity and the role of rope throughout civilization, I recommend Queeney’s “Rope”.
April 26, 2025
I received a free copy of, Rope, Tim Queeney, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The author, Tim Queeney is a sailor, who knows a lot about ropes. This book tells you all you need to know about ropes.
July 23, 2025
I never gave rope much thought or wanted to learn more about rope until I read this book blurb! This was a surprisingly informative book about how rope came to be, the different types of ropes, and it’s amazing number of uses - some good, some bad - throughout the ages, in our everyday lives, and what might it be in the future. I was in awe of how people thousands of years ago invented rope and harnessed it throughout history in virtually every facet of life. I found some parts more interesting than others, to be expected given the immense range that rope is used for and applied to - for literally the world to operate effectively. I learned a lot reading this book so if you’re curious about how the world works, this book is for you. I loved how the author bookended his book - a lovely tribute to his dad, nicely done! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 9, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book! The author uncovered the essence of rope; its uses in past and present. It's evident that Mr. Queeney did his research. Each chapter was a new and exciting venture! My favorite part was when the author reflected on why rope is special and memorable to him.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 6, 2025
A whole book about rope?!
I never thought about the importance of rope throughout history and continuing today until I saw this book! My first reaction was that the book could be boring as heck or fascinating, so I decided I had to check it out. It was both.
The average person uses rope in its many forms directly or indirectly many times a day, and humans have done so throughout history. Rope opens with a man being shot by a bow and arrow more than 5,100 years ago and explores the many uses of rope, cord, thread, etc., throughout history and throughout the world. It was fascinating to read not only how long rope has been used but also the many forms it has taken and the uses to which it has been put around the world. There are artifacts from Austronesian people as long ago as 3000 BCE. As we move forward in time readers learn about transatlantic cable cars, Native Americans’ use of decorated ropes to tie up prisoners, and a lot of other history. It was fun to read that Will Rogers was Cherokee and a master of rope tricks, but I was disappointed that my native city of Baltimore continued to use whipping as punishment for wife-beating until 1938.
On the downside, author Tim Queeney explored a truly impressive array of subjects in his research for this book, and he sometimes stayed on a topic a bit longer than I think the average reader would prefer. This was especially true on sea-related subjects, which no doubt reflected his personal background in sailing and experience as editor of Ocean Navigator magazine.
Pleasing readers with a book like Rope depends not just on the author's knowledge but also the style. Rope The writing has several elements that lightened the tone from time to time , like having Strands, instead of Chapters, with titles like “We All Pull Together”. The research for the book was mindboggling, and the book includes a number of relevant quotes from sources like Master ropemaker for the U.S. Navy David Himmelfarb !
If, like me, the idea of delving into rope appeals to you, I recommend you check this book out. To avoid getting “tied up”, though, if you find that you have heard as much as you wish to know about some topic, just skip a few paragraphs or pages and move on. Enjoying the next topic or era will not require that you have read the last. You will learn some science, some history, and have entertaining tidbits to share with friends, who will be caught up in the things you learned.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martins Press
I never thought about the importance of rope throughout history and continuing today until I saw this book! My first reaction was that the book could be boring as heck or fascinating, so I decided I had to check it out. It was both.
The average person uses rope in its many forms directly or indirectly many times a day, and humans have done so throughout history. Rope opens with a man being shot by a bow and arrow more than 5,100 years ago and explores the many uses of rope, cord, thread, etc., throughout history and throughout the world. It was fascinating to read not only how long rope has been used but also the many forms it has taken and the uses to which it has been put around the world. There are artifacts from Austronesian people as long ago as 3000 BCE. As we move forward in time readers learn about transatlantic cable cars, Native Americans’ use of decorated ropes to tie up prisoners, and a lot of other history. It was fun to read that Will Rogers was Cherokee and a master of rope tricks, but I was disappointed that my native city of Baltimore continued to use whipping as punishment for wife-beating until 1938.
On the downside, author Tim Queeney explored a truly impressive array of subjects in his research for this book, and he sometimes stayed on a topic a bit longer than I think the average reader would prefer. This was especially true on sea-related subjects, which no doubt reflected his personal background in sailing and experience as editor of Ocean Navigator magazine.
Pleasing readers with a book like Rope depends not just on the author's knowledge but also the style. Rope The writing has several elements that lightened the tone from time to time , like having Strands, instead of Chapters, with titles like “We All Pull Together”. The research for the book was mindboggling, and the book includes a number of relevant quotes from sources like Master ropemaker for the U.S. Navy David Himmelfarb !
If, like me, the idea of delving into rope appeals to you, I recommend you check this book out. To avoid getting “tied up”, though, if you find that you have heard as much as you wish to know about some topic, just skip a few paragraphs or pages and move on. Enjoying the next topic or era will not require that you have read the last. You will learn some science, some history, and have entertaining tidbits to share with friends, who will be caught up in the things you learned.
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martins Press
August 26, 2025
3.5⭐️
Sometimes the most mundane item can tell the most fascinating history, and that’s exactly what Tim Queeney tries to do with his epic history of time and civilization told through the story of rope.
I was completely fascinated and impressed at how far back Queeney was able to trace the origins of rope and through how many countless cultures and helped develop. He did a great job, not only detailing a history, but telling a story at the same time.
I also really enjoyed how Queeney goes further and projects onto the future of what rope will look like as it is reinvented in new and modern ways to keep up with with changing technology.
The narrator, Timothy Andrés Pabon does a great job, bringing this adventure to life and creating excitement for this history. His intonation and cadence drives the story and keeps the momentum in peace of this potentially dry material.
Sometimes the most mundane item can tell the most fascinating history, and that’s exactly what Tim Queeney tries to do with his epic history of time and civilization told through the story of rope.
I was completely fascinated and impressed at how far back Queeney was able to trace the origins of rope and through how many countless cultures and helped develop. He did a great job, not only detailing a history, but telling a story at the same time.
I also really enjoyed how Queeney goes further and projects onto the future of what rope will look like as it is reinvented in new and modern ways to keep up with with changing technology.
The narrator, Timothy Andrés Pabon does a great job, bringing this adventure to life and creating excitement for this history. His intonation and cadence drives the story and keeps the momentum in peace of this potentially dry material.
August 15, 2025
Well written and researched text that is informative and entertaining. Delves deep into rope from it's very early history all they way through to possible future uses. While you might think this non-fiction read would be boring, it was not! It has personal as well descriptive imagined historical retellings of the uses/functions of rope. This text certainly taught me about rope and sparked my curiosity to follow up on some of the information to discover more.
I read the ARC as well as listened to the audio version (Libro.fm) which I found to be a great companion for some of the more technical sections.
I read the ARC as well as listened to the audio version (Libro.fm) which I found to be a great companion for some of the more technical sections.
August 15, 2025
Rope by Tim Queeney explores the historical and cultural significance of rope across various civilizations and contexts, from ancient Egyptian pyramid construction to its use in sailing, punishment, lynching, and hanging.
The book draws on extensive research, as evidenced by its comprehensive bibliography, to trace the evolution and impact of this seemingly simple tool.While the book is undeniably informative, it struggles to maintain engagement. I found myself captivated by only a handful of chapters—specifically those covering Egyptian pyramid building, punishment, lynching, hanging, and sailing. All of which were in depth and detailed. However, many other sections felt dry with information overload, leading me to skim through them.
The depth of research is impressive, but the delivery often lacks the spark to keep a casual reader hooked. This book might shine brighter as a film documentary, where visuals and narration could bring the subject to life more dynamically. It’s a solid read for those deeply interested in historical minutiae, but for others, it may feel like a slog at times. Three stars.
I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
The book draws on extensive research, as evidenced by its comprehensive bibliography, to trace the evolution and impact of this seemingly simple tool.While the book is undeniably informative, it struggles to maintain engagement. I found myself captivated by only a handful of chapters—specifically those covering Egyptian pyramid building, punishment, lynching, hanging, and sailing. All of which were in depth and detailed. However, many other sections felt dry with information overload, leading me to skim through them.
The depth of research is impressive, but the delivery often lacks the spark to keep a casual reader hooked. This book might shine brighter as a film documentary, where visuals and narration could bring the subject to life more dynamically. It’s a solid read for those deeply interested in historical minutiae, but for others, it may feel like a slog at times. Three stars.
I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. This review is my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
August 14, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley & St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC!
First of, I learned a lot. That being said, this beast is dense. It is not as pop nonfiction and digestible as some of the other One Word Nonfiction books out there. However, the chapters are organized well, with each focusing on a specific use-case (hunting, construction, etc.) I won't lie, I did not read every chapter because of how dry some sections were, but it was cool to get an extremely detailed view into a "boring" object. I would not recommend this to the general public, but if you are into history and/or physics and/or textiles, or all three, this is your deep dive read.
First of, I learned a lot. That being said, this beast is dense. It is not as pop nonfiction and digestible as some of the other One Word Nonfiction books out there. However, the chapters are organized well, with each focusing on a specific use-case (hunting, construction, etc.) I won't lie, I did not read every chapter because of how dry some sections were, but it was cool to get an extremely detailed view into a "boring" object. I would not recommend this to the general public, but if you are into history and/or physics and/or textiles, or all three, this is your deep dive read.
August 30, 2025
Fascinating to read in detail how something so seemingly innocuous literally shaped the workings of the world. As you might imagine, some parts are more engaging than others. The section on crime and punishment was particularly interesting (albeit bleak).
August 16, 2025
Real Rating: 4.5* of five
The Publisher Says: A unique and compelling adventure through the history of rope and its impact on civilization, in the vein of single subject bestsellers like Salt and Cod
Tim Queeney is a sailor who knows more about rope and its importance to humankind than most. In Rope, Queeney takes readers on a ride through the history of rope and the way it weaves itself through the story of civilization. Considering Magellan’s world-circling ships, the 15th century fleet of Admiral Zheng He, or a Polynesian multihull with crab claw sails, he shows how without rope, none of their adventurous voyages and their discoveries would have been possible. Time traveling, he describes the building of the pyramids, the Roman Coliseum, Hagia Sofia, Notre Dame, the Sultan Hasan Mosque, the Brooklyn Bridge and countless other constructions that would not have been possible without rope.
Not content to just look at rope’s past, Queeney looks at its future and how the re-invention of rope using steel strands to make wire rope and later synthetic fibers will likely provide the strength for cables to support elevators into space. Making the story or rope real for readers, Queeney tells remarkable nautical stories of his own reliance on rope to survive—“While approaching Buzzard’s Bay in the dark of night, we were hit by a fierce squall…The wrong line was eased, and the 200-pound hunk of wood that holds the top of the sail, went flying out of control, swaying wildly and threatening to knock us into the inky ocean. Finally, the proper ropes were located in the dark, firm hands hauled them taught and the gaff was brought under control. It was a sobering display of rope’s often unacknowledged role and uncredited importance.” Rope is history, adventure and the story of one of the world’s most common tools that has made it possible for humans to advance throughout the century.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Tim Queeney is treading on Mark Kurlansky's and Mary Roach's territories with this historical and sociological survey of rope, its development, its role in society, and its future uses.
He sets his sights high. The book is even organized into "strands" not chapters, which seemed cutesy to me at first...it's not, it is in fact subtle and informative. I'm happy to report he succeeds in the rope-climb to success.
Readable, relatable, illuminating, and fun to learn about, who knew rope was so culturally significant? I've reached the end of my rope more than once, and still had not thought about the rope I was running out of. I've had enough fun in my life finding the men who live by the old gay truism, "if you can rope me, you can ride me," that I ought to be far more alert to how ropey my grasp of the subject is.
I have a greatly expanded respect for how many metaphors and concepts tie back to rope and its variants, starting with "religion"...re- (back to, again)+ligare (to tie, to rope onto)= "religion." A concept hiding in plain sight, one that could not exist without that extremely early invention of humankind, the rope.
The development of rope was surprisingly technological; in fact if we had not been scientists by our very nature rope could not exist. Many aspects of its creation were impossible without trial and error based on what we today would describe as "materials science"...does grass get stronger or weaker when bundled together? is green grass more or less useful than dried grass? exactly how dried is optimal for making cordage?...a tiny, tiny peek into the huge variety of questions Author Queeney introduces us to as he explicates the scientific process as we developed it.
No tool is not also a weapon: "string him up" and its variants did not come about as a common phrase because someone was decorating a loved one in a string vest. Author Queeney does not shy away from elucidating the horrifying, evil uses humanity put its early invention the rope to. The details are stomach-churning, but the facts are incontrovertible. We love to be hatefully cruel. I'm sure some readers will skip right over these parts in order not to lose sleep. I strongly caution those highly averse to animal cruelty to pay close attention to prefatory language used as they read along.
I'm carrying on about a five-star read but there's not a whole fifth star. The half-star lost got hung up on that pesky thing, the content warning. The fact is there's not much human awfulness I haven't read about or seen in the past *mumble*ty-five years. I still felt blindsided by the overly-careful enumeration of the nasty uses we use rope for. Lingering on these unpleasantnesses slowed my roll through the story of rope. Don't get tied up in these things if you're at all squeamish; fresh strands await.
A thoroughly noted and sourced elucidation of the importance of an invisbly ubiquitous invention. Its many pleasures for the broadly curious reader require some common-sense personalization of the reading experience. Those who need chew-toys for their brains are going to batten on the trivia embedded in the long strand roping human history together.
The Publisher Says: A unique and compelling adventure through the history of rope and its impact on civilization, in the vein of single subject bestsellers like Salt and Cod
Tim Queeney is a sailor who knows more about rope and its importance to humankind than most. In Rope, Queeney takes readers on a ride through the history of rope and the way it weaves itself through the story of civilization. Considering Magellan’s world-circling ships, the 15th century fleet of Admiral Zheng He, or a Polynesian multihull with crab claw sails, he shows how without rope, none of their adventurous voyages and their discoveries would have been possible. Time traveling, he describes the building of the pyramids, the Roman Coliseum, Hagia Sofia, Notre Dame, the Sultan Hasan Mosque, the Brooklyn Bridge and countless other constructions that would not have been possible without rope.
Not content to just look at rope’s past, Queeney looks at its future and how the re-invention of rope using steel strands to make wire rope and later synthetic fibers will likely provide the strength for cables to support elevators into space. Making the story or rope real for readers, Queeney tells remarkable nautical stories of his own reliance on rope to survive—“While approaching Buzzard’s Bay in the dark of night, we were hit by a fierce squall…The wrong line was eased, and the 200-pound hunk of wood that holds the top of the sail, went flying out of control, swaying wildly and threatening to knock us into the inky ocean. Finally, the proper ropes were located in the dark, firm hands hauled them taught and the gaff was brought under control. It was a sobering display of rope’s often unacknowledged role and uncredited importance.” Rope is history, adventure and the story of one of the world’s most common tools that has made it possible for humans to advance throughout the century.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Tim Queeney is treading on Mark Kurlansky's and Mary Roach's territories with this historical and sociological survey of rope, its development, its role in society, and its future uses.
While many short lengths of rope helped countless individuals through the centuries, rope also was a tool of human innovation writ large through collective action. Just as many small strands come together to form a rope, so, too, did many people gather to perform the biggest of tasks. The exemplar of this from the ancient world is the Egyptian pyramids. While we don’t know exactly how these human-built mountains were assembled, we can be sure that rope was an essential tool in their construction. In this way rope stands as both a tool and a symbol of humans working together to achieve the greatest things.
He sets his sights high. The book is even organized into "strands" not chapters, which seemed cutesy to me at first...it's not, it is in fact subtle and informative. I'm happy to report he succeeds in the rope-climb to success.
Its cultural significance is revealed by a parade of expressions: “roped me in,”“rope it off,”“tied in knots,”“rope-a-dope,”“roped and branded,”“give him/ her enough rope,”“at the end of my rope,”“throw me a rope,”“give me some slack,”“on the ropes ,”“go piss up a rope,”“learn the ropes,”“a rope of sand.” This incomplete list of everyday sayings just shows how deeply into our consciousness rope has entwined itself.
Readable, relatable, illuminating, and fun to learn about, who knew rope was so culturally significant? I've reached the end of my rope more than once, and still had not thought about the rope I was running out of. I've had enough fun in my life finding the men who live by the old gay truism, "if you can rope me, you can ride me," that I ought to be far more alert to how ropey my grasp of the subject is.
I have a greatly expanded respect for how many metaphors and concepts tie back to rope and its variants, starting with "religion"...re- (back to, again)+ligare (to tie, to rope onto)= "religion." A concept hiding in plain sight, one that could not exist without that extremely early invention of humankind, the rope.
The development of rope was surprisingly technological; in fact if we had not been scientists by our very nature rope could not exist. Many aspects of its creation were impossible without trial and error based on what we today would describe as "materials science"...does grass get stronger or weaker when bundled together? is green grass more or less useful than dried grass? exactly how dried is optimal for making cordage?...a tiny, tiny peek into the huge variety of questions Author Queeney introduces us to as he explicates the scientific process as we developed it.
No tool is not also a weapon: "string him up" and its variants did not come about as a common phrase because someone was decorating a loved one in a string vest. Author Queeney does not shy away from elucidating the horrifying, evil uses humanity put its early invention the rope to. The details are stomach-churning, but the facts are incontrovertible. We love to be hatefully cruel. I'm sure some readers will skip right over these parts in order not to lose sleep. I strongly caution those highly averse to animal cruelty to pay close attention to prefatory language used as they read along.
I'm carrying on about a five-star read but there's not a whole fifth star. The half-star lost got hung up on that pesky thing, the content warning. The fact is there's not much human awfulness I haven't read about or seen in the past *mumble*ty-five years. I still felt blindsided by the overly-careful enumeration of the nasty uses we use rope for. Lingering on these unpleasantnesses slowed my roll through the story of rope. Don't get tied up in these things if you're at all squeamish; fresh strands await.
A thoroughly noted and sourced elucidation of the importance of an invisbly ubiquitous invention. Its many pleasures for the broadly curious reader require some common-sense personalization of the reading experience. Those who need chew-toys for their brains are going to batten on the trivia embedded in the long strand roping human history together.
August 19, 2025
If you enjoyed the books Salt and Cod, this is right up your alley! Fact filled and immersive, Tim Queeney sails along from the earliest days to the space age. Being a sailor, Mr. Queeney recognizes the importance of all the lines of a sailing ship. He sails through the centuries and ends his book in the space age. What a remarkable ending to remind us that it was various lines that allowed the landing of the Rover on Mars. In between then and now, he takes us on a great journey through the adaptation of rope. Fact filled, who knew that the word lynch originated from two brothers? Who knew that the USS Constitution is held together with miles of rope that has to be changed out yearly. This is a great read, lots of fun and inspiring and thoughtfully written. Queeney has taken an everyday object and has turned it into something special! Highly recommended reading…brilliant!
June 20, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this new book that seeks to untie the many lengths that cordage has had on humans and the world around them, from building monuments, sailing the seas and even to the stars.
My Dad loved two things in life, buying older cars and going to every tag sale in the area with my Mom, who he also loved. Many a bookcase, a couch, a bed, a bunk bed, curio cabinet and once a very large electric organ has come home strapped to the roof of my Dad's big junker at the time. A blanket and rope and my Dad could move a house. Dad learned about rope from my Grandfather, who was a commercial fisherman and lumberjack before moving South to America from Canada. Pop Pop knew rope and how to secure anything. To him it keep him safe and allowed him to do his job. To my dad it enabled him to furnish his house, and spoil his family. To others rope can mean something more, and something helpful to our development. Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization by journalist and writer Tim Queeney is a look at how cordage made a difference in the way that early man dealt with the world, from food, to trade, to finding out what as beyond the horizon, the clouds, and even into the future of space exploration.
The book begins with Queeney finding some old rope that had been used by his father, who was a weekend sailor. The knots kept in the fibers, how Queeney's father taught him about sailing and the importance of the ropes to keeping the boat sailing and safe. Queeney looks at the making of rope a process that hasn't changed much since early man, as fibers are twisted in ways to make something stronger, and yet pliable. The book than moves to the beginning how early man might have developed rope, which is hard to find as most of it would have broken down. Queeney shows the early tools used to make rope, and the community that sprung from it, as twisting rope is not that easy. Queeney discusses how ancient mariners counted on rope to keep their boats together, and used to strap on new items, starting trade routes and more. Queeney discusses the changes in rope making and production and looks to the future at giant space elevators, and more that will need cordage to keep it together.
A very interesting book that is about much more than rope, but how our early ancestors were about to problem solve using rope and well man power. The book ranges from early days, to the building of the pyramids, and of Stonehenge. There is a lot about rope and the nautical life, which I enjoyed and found interesting, and something that might appeal to readers of nautical history. Queeney has done a lot of research, but writes in a very nice style, keeping everything easy to follow, and not seem like a lecture. A history that covers quite a lot of information, and does it quite well.
Recommended for people who like books that deal with the effects of one item on the world, like Mark Kurlansky or Simon Winchester. This is also a book that people who enjoy boats might enjoy, there is a lot of information, and much about the design of boats. A read that taught me much, and made me interested to learn more.
My Dad loved two things in life, buying older cars and going to every tag sale in the area with my Mom, who he also loved. Many a bookcase, a couch, a bed, a bunk bed, curio cabinet and once a very large electric organ has come home strapped to the roof of my Dad's big junker at the time. A blanket and rope and my Dad could move a house. Dad learned about rope from my Grandfather, who was a commercial fisherman and lumberjack before moving South to America from Canada. Pop Pop knew rope and how to secure anything. To him it keep him safe and allowed him to do his job. To my dad it enabled him to furnish his house, and spoil his family. To others rope can mean something more, and something helpful to our development. Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization by journalist and writer Tim Queeney is a look at how cordage made a difference in the way that early man dealt with the world, from food, to trade, to finding out what as beyond the horizon, the clouds, and even into the future of space exploration.
The book begins with Queeney finding some old rope that had been used by his father, who was a weekend sailor. The knots kept in the fibers, how Queeney's father taught him about sailing and the importance of the ropes to keeping the boat sailing and safe. Queeney looks at the making of rope a process that hasn't changed much since early man, as fibers are twisted in ways to make something stronger, and yet pliable. The book than moves to the beginning how early man might have developed rope, which is hard to find as most of it would have broken down. Queeney shows the early tools used to make rope, and the community that sprung from it, as twisting rope is not that easy. Queeney discusses how ancient mariners counted on rope to keep their boats together, and used to strap on new items, starting trade routes and more. Queeney discusses the changes in rope making and production and looks to the future at giant space elevators, and more that will need cordage to keep it together.
A very interesting book that is about much more than rope, but how our early ancestors were about to problem solve using rope and well man power. The book ranges from early days, to the building of the pyramids, and of Stonehenge. There is a lot about rope and the nautical life, which I enjoyed and found interesting, and something that might appeal to readers of nautical history. Queeney has done a lot of research, but writes in a very nice style, keeping everything easy to follow, and not seem like a lecture. A history that covers quite a lot of information, and does it quite well.
Recommended for people who like books that deal with the effects of one item on the world, like Mark Kurlansky or Simon Winchester. This is also a book that people who enjoy boats might enjoy, there is a lot of information, and much about the design of boats. A read that taught me much, and made me interested to learn more.
August 11, 2025
This is a fascinating and entertaining book. Tim Queeney, having “learned the [sailing] ropes” from his father, and later become the editor of Ocean Navigation and instructor in the Ocean Navigator School of Seamanship, knew a lot about rope before he started researching this book. His wide-ranging research, though, enables him to tell the story of rope starting in pre-history through to the present, with even a glimpse at the future. His calls each of his chapters a "strand" in the larger story. This is appropriate because the any rope--like any book--is only as good as the strands that comprise it. Queeney makes us realize that rope is a technology, and the story of rope itself is a strand in the history of technology, a story of constant efforts to improve it: make it more durable, more adaptable to changing situations, introduce new materials and new ways of producing it, make it more useful. It’s also a story of the misuses of this technology, particularly as an instrument of torture, punishment, and mass murder.
All the stories in this book are worth your time. Among them, Queeney’s discussion of rope in the great age of sail is a showpiece, as you would expect from an author who has sailed all his life. It is filled with so many vivid details that I found myself pausing as I read along, trying to place each detail in an overall picture of the fabulous sailing ships he was describing. (I was reading a galley that lacked illustrations. I hope the published book will be heavily illustrated.)
That strand was great fun but two other strands caught my imagination even more: his absorbing description of the preparations and execution of the famous tightrope walk between the two towers of the World Trade Center; and his visit (via Zoom) to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole, where wire ropes containing neutrino detectors are lowered thousands of meters below the ice pack in order to be sufficiently isolated to detect neutrinos.
The book ends on a high: a discussion of the “ultimate rope ever conceived . . . a rope so fantastically strong” that it will be the tether for a space elevator that can carry satellites into space without the need for rockets. Queeney provides all the data and details we need to envision this amazing piece of technology coming into use in possibly the next 25 years.
The book then offers quite a journey. Queeney’s treatment of all the strands of his story is consistently engaging. He writes as if he’s speaking to a friend. And you will want to pay careful attention so that you can re-tell some of his stories to your friends. I am glad I took this journey with Queeney. I think you will be too.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy in galley form for review consideration via NetGalley. Please note: Quotes taken from a galley may change in the final version.
All opinions are my own.
All the stories in this book are worth your time. Among them, Queeney’s discussion of rope in the great age of sail is a showpiece, as you would expect from an author who has sailed all his life. It is filled with so many vivid details that I found myself pausing as I read along, trying to place each detail in an overall picture of the fabulous sailing ships he was describing. (I was reading a galley that lacked illustrations. I hope the published book will be heavily illustrated.)
That strand was great fun but two other strands caught my imagination even more: his absorbing description of the preparations and execution of the famous tightrope walk between the two towers of the World Trade Center; and his visit (via Zoom) to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole, where wire ropes containing neutrino detectors are lowered thousands of meters below the ice pack in order to be sufficiently isolated to detect neutrinos.
The book ends on a high: a discussion of the “ultimate rope ever conceived . . . a rope so fantastically strong” that it will be the tether for a space elevator that can carry satellites into space without the need for rockets. Queeney provides all the data and details we need to envision this amazing piece of technology coming into use in possibly the next 25 years.
The book then offers quite a journey. Queeney’s treatment of all the strands of his story is consistently engaging. He writes as if he’s speaking to a friend. And you will want to pay careful attention so that you can re-tell some of his stories to your friends. I am glad I took this journey with Queeney. I think you will be too.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy in galley form for review consideration via NetGalley. Please note: Quotes taken from a galley may change in the final version.
All opinions are my own.
August 12, 2025
Solid Examination Of The Topic. This is a book written by a sailor that goes deep into all things rope, including its earliest known histories through to its future uses as currently known and planned. We get a *lot* of history from eras from prehistory through Egypt and the Greeks through the Age of Exploration (and even some about the Chinese exploration expeditions) through rope's uses in executions both sanctioned by governments and not all the way into bleeding edge rope tech taking us into the future of humanity. Through this narrative, I guarantee you that you are going to learn at least something you didn't previously know - I know I did. I appreciated that the chapter titles were themed to the idea of individual strands in a piece of rope, as that was both perfect theming and a great way of organizing and thinking about the overall history being presented.
Ultimately, this book had two weaknesses for me, though only one worthy of a star deduction. The other, simply a discussion here in the review - a warning, really, to other readers who may be less prepared for it.
The warning is that Queeney *is* a sailor and *really* knows his rope - and knots. He can get quite technical, particularly when he's talking about how to rig ropes for sailing - which is a significant topic in the book. Through these sections, I recommend the literary/ reading equivalent of the social "nod and 'uh huh'" when someone is talking about some passion that you're interested in, but clearly nowhere near as interested in as they are. Read every word - don't skim it - but allow yourself to not focus on "I must remember every detail of this!".
Outside of these hyper detailed sections though (and even within them, really), the book really is quite well written and very fascinating indeed in all that it reveals. I'm not joking whatsoever when I mentioned above that even I learned from this book. I really did. Quite a bit that I had never even considered previously. So absolutely go into this book preparing to learn more about this particular subject than at any time since you left formal schooling, whenever that may have been for you.
The star deduction is for the dearth of a bibliography, coming in at 12% or so of the text - still over 30 pages of documented sources in a book of this length, to be clear - which falls just short of even my relaxed-ish standard of 15% and further short of the 20-30% documentation I had been expecting earlier in my reviewing efforts several years ago.
So... that's it. That's the review. Go read this book, even if you had never considered the topic and don't necessarily want to learn anything new. Because this book may be hyper focused, but that actually *increases* its overall quality and ultimately usefulness.
Very much recommended.
Ultimately, this book had two weaknesses for me, though only one worthy of a star deduction. The other, simply a discussion here in the review - a warning, really, to other readers who may be less prepared for it.
The warning is that Queeney *is* a sailor and *really* knows his rope - and knots. He can get quite technical, particularly when he's talking about how to rig ropes for sailing - which is a significant topic in the book. Through these sections, I recommend the literary/ reading equivalent of the social "nod and 'uh huh'" when someone is talking about some passion that you're interested in, but clearly nowhere near as interested in as they are. Read every word - don't skim it - but allow yourself to not focus on "I must remember every detail of this!".
Outside of these hyper detailed sections though (and even within them, really), the book really is quite well written and very fascinating indeed in all that it reveals. I'm not joking whatsoever when I mentioned above that even I learned from this book. I really did. Quite a bit that I had never even considered previously. So absolutely go into this book preparing to learn more about this particular subject than at any time since you left formal schooling, whenever that may have been for you.
The star deduction is for the dearth of a bibliography, coming in at 12% or so of the text - still over 30 pages of documented sources in a book of this length, to be clear - which falls just short of even my relaxed-ish standard of 15% and further short of the 20-30% documentation I had been expecting earlier in my reviewing efforts several years ago.
So... that's it. That's the review. Go read this book, even if you had never considered the topic and don't necessarily want to learn anything new. Because this book may be hyper focused, but that actually *increases* its overall quality and ultimately usefulness.
Very much recommended.
August 17, 2025
***ARC received from St. Martins Press and NetGalley, opinions are all my own. Thank you!***
When I got this book I was a little uncertain, like how can you write a 300+ book about rope and not make it boring. Well Tim Queeney managed to make a good that at was not only interesting but at time hard to put down.
The book is broken up into different sections that span over the ages. The chapters have short stories about the time frame it is taking place it, some are real other are just imagined ideas of how rope would be used in that time. The book starts with a personal story from the author about his father and sailing. Its clear the author has a love and connection to sailing and I think those are probably may favorite chapters, you can feel the authors love of the ocean and sailing.
It is such a fascinating look at history, how the oldest of our ancestors looked at nature and turned much of it into tools that they used. That Polynesian civilization could look at the husk of a coconut and weave it into a rope that they would then use to sail to new lands. What would it have been like tying to create tools, how much trial and error would have gone into creating something that we see as so simply. To find the proper twist and strands, the right material that wouldn’t get soaked with water and hold up to the rough seas. Some of it is obviously just our best guess since natural fibers would have long ago disintegrated.
The book doesn’t just go over ancient use of rope, but the modern era and how rope has evolved from natural to synthetic fibers to eventual metal. It dedicates time to discussing the tools that would have been used to create the rope. A full look at the tools to create the tools gives a full look at how our ancestors looked at the objects that they had to create
The writing is really well done and I found the book and subject very approachable. Sometimes a book like this with such a niche subject can come of as a little too academic. Like they took a research paper and just converted it in to a book. It can be hard to read as its dry and feels like it was meant for those that already hold the knowledge of the subject. This was really not the case with this book, the author doesn’t treat you like you are an expert but also doesn’t treat the reader with kids gloves. It is a light read that never gets bogged down with details and the author does a few jokes inserted in. It also handles the chapters that deal with the use of rope in crimes against other humans well. Especially the chapter that deals with lynching against Black Americans never going into an level of detail but not passing over this horrible chapter in American history.
Rope is a fun and fascinating look at the history of probably one of the most under rated tools that has revolutionized how we as humans have used over the years. Highly recommend.
When I got this book I was a little uncertain, like how can you write a 300+ book about rope and not make it boring. Well Tim Queeney managed to make a good that at was not only interesting but at time hard to put down.
The book is broken up into different sections that span over the ages. The chapters have short stories about the time frame it is taking place it, some are real other are just imagined ideas of how rope would be used in that time. The book starts with a personal story from the author about his father and sailing. Its clear the author has a love and connection to sailing and I think those are probably may favorite chapters, you can feel the authors love of the ocean and sailing.
It is such a fascinating look at history, how the oldest of our ancestors looked at nature and turned much of it into tools that they used. That Polynesian civilization could look at the husk of a coconut and weave it into a rope that they would then use to sail to new lands. What would it have been like tying to create tools, how much trial and error would have gone into creating something that we see as so simply. To find the proper twist and strands, the right material that wouldn’t get soaked with water and hold up to the rough seas. Some of it is obviously just our best guess since natural fibers would have long ago disintegrated.
The book doesn’t just go over ancient use of rope, but the modern era and how rope has evolved from natural to synthetic fibers to eventual metal. It dedicates time to discussing the tools that would have been used to create the rope. A full look at the tools to create the tools gives a full look at how our ancestors looked at the objects that they had to create
The writing is really well done and I found the book and subject very approachable. Sometimes a book like this with such a niche subject can come of as a little too academic. Like they took a research paper and just converted it in to a book. It can be hard to read as its dry and feels like it was meant for those that already hold the knowledge of the subject. This was really not the case with this book, the author doesn’t treat you like you are an expert but also doesn’t treat the reader with kids gloves. It is a light read that never gets bogged down with details and the author does a few jokes inserted in. It also handles the chapters that deal with the use of rope in crimes against other humans well. Especially the chapter that deals with lynching against Black Americans never going into an level of detail but not passing over this horrible chapter in American history.
Rope is a fun and fascinating look at the history of probably one of the most under rated tools that has revolutionized how we as humans have used over the years. Highly recommend.
August 12, 2025
ROPE is a fascinating and long overdue book that explains in entertaining detail how these twisted fibers helped advance civilization. Not only is this book informative, but I loved the folksy way Queeney writes this history. It’s both comical and heartfelt, and skillfully weaves in pertinent, real-life stories that relate directly to the topic at hand.
It starts off with a touching story about the author’s memories sailing with his father. Then a year after his father passed, Queeney went down in his basement where he discovered a familiar knot his father had tied. The knot brought back many fond memories of the two sailing, and because of that the author found he couldn’t throw it away. This sheep bend knot was a living relic of his father’s memory.
The author then gives a detailed and descriptive history about the origins of rope and how it helped shape civilization. From the Neanderthals to the caves of Germany, we learn how these twisted fibers came to be. How they were produced and from what materials. Then how they were used in agriculture, ocean voyagers, fishing production, and even how they helped construct the pyramids in Egypt.
Queeney skillfully explains the spiritual nature of knots, as well as the way it helped in the construction of cathedrals and mosques, all of which I found fascinating, never having learned any of this in school—and I was a history major. Maybe my favorite chapter was the one about crime and punishment, and all the ways rope was used to keep people, and populations, in line. From flogging to hanging, rope’s dark side is exposed for all to see.
The author ends the book with a sci-fi like description of rope being used as a space elevator for shipping containers. The rope in this instance is a high tech material called graphene that is made up of carbon and is two hundred times stronger than steel. The future of rope appears bright for humanity, with seemingly no limitations to its uses. It may not be nylon or polyester, or any other of the traditional fibers we’re used to, but it will certainly be a high tech material like humanity has never seen before.
Queeney has written a book that is both well-researched and brilliant in its narrow scope. While his tone is scholarly, he infuses his story with humor and heartfelt emotion, which made his narrative more relevant to me as a reader. I loved ROPE and believe this book should be required reading for any student of history. As for the future of rope, that remains to be seen, but it’s doubtful that this technology, whatever shape or form, will ever be obsolete. Hope the author’s still around to write the follow-up. Highly recommended!
May 13, 2025
Eh? So there are some pieces that are really interesting in here, but it kind of feels like they get buried within parts that either aren't really about ropes beyond speculation or a passing reference, or that get mired in terminology and references that don't mean a whole lot to someone not tangled up in ropes. And parts of this book aren't really about something the average person would consider rope, but "Long, skinny object made out of many types of materials and can be used for many purposes" while more accurate, is even more of a mouthful than the current title. Almost the first half of the book is more anthropological in nature, covering ancient Egyptians or seafaring societies that probably used rope to do at least some of their work. But in these parts it is mentioned more in passing, speculation or as a side note and the focus is on the overall actions of the civilization. Queeney finally moves into more of a focus on rope, the materials it was made of, and different ways it was used, and it finally starts feeling more relevant to the book title. Some of it is really interesting. A lot of it is mired in terminology that means absolutely nothing to me and is hard to visualize. I also struggled at times with the writing style. Some times it is more formal and feels like a reference paper with book citations. Sometimes it is very casual and speaking directly to the reader. Other times it feels like a newspaper or magazine interview. Maybe for some readers this is a great fit, but I don't feel like it's a book for someone that's already an expert on the subject matter, and I don't love how the book can't decide if it wants to be a text book, a historical non-fiction book or a REALLY long-form magazine article. Parts that had personal interest to me, khipus, the Curiosity rover on Mars and a potential space elevator were easier for me to understand and read, but other people may glaze over at these sections just as much as I did in others. One thing it mostly does better than other non-fiction history books that focus on a particular item is that it moves forward sequentially in time instead of hopping all over the place. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 14, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
When considering books following one object through its historical "life" most would recognize Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlanksy. This would be the text that all other books diving into the genre seem to follow. Having read many other books within this genre, I would say the majority fall short of Kurlansky's example. Tim Queeney's book Rope definitely does not! As a sailor himself, he knows the ropes about, well, rope! And this book is an homage to rope and everything it has been and become throughout human history.
Before reading this book I had no idea the pivotal role rope has had within human history. Sure we hear about the wheel, or fire, or stone tools being important to us as evolving creatures, but rope was something I never considered. One thing that struck me was how fire or a piece of broken flint could happen in the wild and be discovered. But rope? Rope always has to be made! The cognizant evolution of us as a species can be shown with the making of rope! After reading Queeney's book I now know that rope is truly one of the greatest inventions humankind has made.
Queeney is an exceptional writer mixing facts and history with quips and jokes. Although the book itself is scholarly, Queeney keeps it light and enjoyable throughout. It is not a slog to read with all the historical facts, but rather a fun journey through history and how rope has always been pivotal to our journey. Every chapter, which each portray a different time period in human history, had me learning so many new things about rope and its importance. I will never take rope for granted again after reading this book!
If you are the type that is fascinated by deeply specific histories, this is the book for you. If you just want to learn some fun facts about different time periods in history, this book if for you. If you just want to read a really good book...this book is for you! I am so glad I read this book and look forward to reading some of Tim Queeney's other works.
When considering books following one object through its historical "life" most would recognize Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlanksy. This would be the text that all other books diving into the genre seem to follow. Having read many other books within this genre, I would say the majority fall short of Kurlansky's example. Tim Queeney's book Rope definitely does not! As a sailor himself, he knows the ropes about, well, rope! And this book is an homage to rope and everything it has been and become throughout human history.
Before reading this book I had no idea the pivotal role rope has had within human history. Sure we hear about the wheel, or fire, or stone tools being important to us as evolving creatures, but rope was something I never considered. One thing that struck me was how fire or a piece of broken flint could happen in the wild and be discovered. But rope? Rope always has to be made! The cognizant evolution of us as a species can be shown with the making of rope! After reading Queeney's book I now know that rope is truly one of the greatest inventions humankind has made.
Queeney is an exceptional writer mixing facts and history with quips and jokes. Although the book itself is scholarly, Queeney keeps it light and enjoyable throughout. It is not a slog to read with all the historical facts, but rather a fun journey through history and how rope has always been pivotal to our journey. Every chapter, which each portray a different time period in human history, had me learning so many new things about rope and its importance. I will never take rope for granted again after reading this book!
If you are the type that is fascinated by deeply specific histories, this is the book for you. If you just want to learn some fun facts about different time periods in history, this book if for you. If you just want to read a really good book...this book is for you! I am so glad I read this book and look forward to reading some of Tim Queeney's other works.
July 18, 2025
Who thinks a lot about rope? Well, sailors do. So, it makes sense that this deep dive into the history of rope is written by a lifelong sailor. Tim Queeney has written for the magazine Ocean Navigator for years and has also taught celestial, coastal and radar navigation as an instructor for the Ocean Navigator School of Seamanship. Rope is a key tool for sailors, but it’s also a tool with many other uses, many of which Queeney explores in this book.
This book interested me because, as I’ve often said in my book reviews, I love books that cover the history of science, and this book is within the general ballpark. While not as scientific a topic as usually motivates me to read such a book, tools and tool use are also interests - one of the reasons I recently reviewed a book on axe murders.
Realistically though, rope is such a basic thing that just seems like it’s probably been around forever. So, it’s not something most people would think of as a subject for a book. But it’s that history and basic usefulness that make this book interesting. It took someone like Queeney who has spent a lot of time with this tool to really be motivated to do the research and put a book like this together.
If you are a casual user of rope, like me, you may find this book a bit uneven, as the chapters are arranged by the different uses rope has been put to. But McQueeney keeps his story pretty much in chronological order so that you get a sense not only of how rope has been used over time but also how the rope we use has itself changed. From sisal and “manila” (a plant fiber found only in the Philippines) to nylon and steel; technology has been applied to rope to further increase its usefulness. Today there are many types or rope suitable for many different purposes.
This book is the latest to take an everyday object and do a deep dive into its history. Part of the book trend called “microhistories”, these books have become a genre of their own. For the sailor in your life, for someone who tinkers with tools, and for folks who like to learn the history behind common everyday objects this book would be a good beach read for the long Labor Day weekend.
This book interested me because, as I’ve often said in my book reviews, I love books that cover the history of science, and this book is within the general ballpark. While not as scientific a topic as usually motivates me to read such a book, tools and tool use are also interests - one of the reasons I recently reviewed a book on axe murders.
Realistically though, rope is such a basic thing that just seems like it’s probably been around forever. So, it’s not something most people would think of as a subject for a book. But it’s that history and basic usefulness that make this book interesting. It took someone like Queeney who has spent a lot of time with this tool to really be motivated to do the research and put a book like this together.
If you are a casual user of rope, like me, you may find this book a bit uneven, as the chapters are arranged by the different uses rope has been put to. But McQueeney keeps his story pretty much in chronological order so that you get a sense not only of how rope has been used over time but also how the rope we use has itself changed. From sisal and “manila” (a plant fiber found only in the Philippines) to nylon and steel; technology has been applied to rope to further increase its usefulness. Today there are many types or rope suitable for many different purposes.
This book is the latest to take an everyday object and do a deep dive into its history. Part of the book trend called “microhistories”, these books have become a genre of their own. For the sailor in your life, for someone who tinkers with tools, and for folks who like to learn the history behind common everyday objects this book would be a good beach read for the long Labor Day weekend.
April 20, 2025
I saw an article--well, a piece of an article, didn't read the whole thing--about hiring practices in the railroad industry. The rule of thumb for recruiters was this: only hire people who do not express any interest in trains whatsoever. I do not know that this is true, but the rationale behind it is that there are people out there who like trains, and they tend to really like trains, to the point that they will not shut up about trains, ever, not even for a minute, and while you might tolerate one person like that in a workplace, if you get two of them they will be at each other's throat in nanoseconds, arguing about whatever it is that people who like trains argue about.
The point of this is that there is enthusiasm, and then there is, you know, enthusiasm. Tim Queeney is an enthusiast about rope, and he has written an excellent book that is about rope, and thank goodness this is in a book because one suspects that if you were sitting in the middle seat of a Boeing traveling from Seattle to Boston, and Tim Queeney had the window seat, you would hear more about rope than you would ever want to hear. Did you know that they used rope to build the Pyramids? Didja? Didja? Want to know what it was made out of? What the Vikings made their rope out of? This is all in Queeney's book, which is not only very well done, but something that you can put down when you want to.
I am teasing the poor author a bit here, which is not nice, but he does admit to being an enthusiast and it's palpable throughout the book, anyway. It is a very interesting read, over not only the whole history of rope (which we know less about than we should because rope decays) but the far future of ropes and cabling and space elevators and all that. This is the book you should read if you like this sort of thing, the sort of book that the mean people in the car insurance commercials tell you not to read because it will make you turn into your parents. Outstanding work of dad-core here.
The point of this is that there is enthusiasm, and then there is, you know, enthusiasm. Tim Queeney is an enthusiast about rope, and he has written an excellent book that is about rope, and thank goodness this is in a book because one suspects that if you were sitting in the middle seat of a Boeing traveling from Seattle to Boston, and Tim Queeney had the window seat, you would hear more about rope than you would ever want to hear. Did you know that they used rope to build the Pyramids? Didja? Didja? Want to know what it was made out of? What the Vikings made their rope out of? This is all in Queeney's book, which is not only very well done, but something that you can put down when you want to.
I am teasing the poor author a bit here, which is not nice, but he does admit to being an enthusiast and it's palpable throughout the book, anyway. It is a very interesting read, over not only the whole history of rope (which we know less about than we should because rope decays) but the far future of ropes and cabling and space elevators and all that. This is the book you should read if you like this sort of thing, the sort of book that the mean people in the car insurance commercials tell you not to read because it will make you turn into your parents. Outstanding work of dad-core here.
July 19, 2025
This was a pretty interesting book involving rope, its origins, and many uses. A lot of people probably don't think about rope very much unless they're at a job or have a hobby that involves its use. It's just not one of those items you really think about until you need it.
The book starts over 5,000 years in the past with a killing of one person by another with the use of a bow and arrow - a weapon highly dependent on rope to work. It then moves to how rope evolved, the different fibers used to make rope in different places, and its uses. Several chapters are dedicated to sailing. The author is a sailor and goes into depth on how rope was (and still is in some cases) used on ships for hundreds of years to sail the world. He then discusses how rope is used not only to sail the ships, but for netting to collect fish and such from the oceans, along with the myriad of knots used. We also see the transformation of rope, from basic plant fibers, to metal and synthetic fibers.
While there are a lot of applications for rope in sailing, it is used in many other instances as well, and some of these I was looking forward to more. As a rock climber, I was really happy to get to the chapter on mountaineering, but I was left rather disappointed. The chapter is pretty short and glosses over the use of rope. Rope is vital part of what we use so I was hoping to have a more in depth look at it.
Some of the chapter did feel rather disjointed. The author would be talking about one application of rope, then the next paragraph switch to something completely unrelated. Having a little better structure would have helped each chapter flow better, along with having more information on certain aspects of rope uses. I get that the author is a sailor, but it feels like that's really what he wanted to write about at times, which left some chapters lacking.
I did still enjoy the book and learned a lot, but I think this will appeal to a more specific group of readers.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts over 5,000 years in the past with a killing of one person by another with the use of a bow and arrow - a weapon highly dependent on rope to work. It then moves to how rope evolved, the different fibers used to make rope in different places, and its uses. Several chapters are dedicated to sailing. The author is a sailor and goes into depth on how rope was (and still is in some cases) used on ships for hundreds of years to sail the world. He then discusses how rope is used not only to sail the ships, but for netting to collect fish and such from the oceans, along with the myriad of knots used. We also see the transformation of rope, from basic plant fibers, to metal and synthetic fibers.
While there are a lot of applications for rope in sailing, it is used in many other instances as well, and some of these I was looking forward to more. As a rock climber, I was really happy to get to the chapter on mountaineering, but I was left rather disappointed. The chapter is pretty short and glosses over the use of rope. Rope is vital part of what we use so I was hoping to have a more in depth look at it.
Some of the chapter did feel rather disjointed. The author would be talking about one application of rope, then the next paragraph switch to something completely unrelated. Having a little better structure would have helped each chapter flow better, along with having more information on certain aspects of rope uses. I get that the author is a sailor, but it feels like that's really what he wanted to write about at times, which left some chapters lacking.
I did still enjoy the book and learned a lot, but I think this will appeal to a more specific group of readers.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2025
Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization by Tim Queeney is a very highly recommended in-depth examination of rope and its impact on civilization. For a single topic book, it is amazing and fascinating how much we have depended upon rope over the ages. This is for everyone who enjoys history, sailing, and has spent an inordinate amount of time looking for and using rope in our daily lives.
This is a comprehensive look at how rope was made and used throughout history for tools, weapons, boats, construction, in culture/mythology, fishing, crime and punishment, for tricks and adventures, and in space. There is a special extensive focus on the use of rope for sailing and the significance of sailing for exploration, trade, fishing, etc.
The various materials used to make rope are discussed. Everything from bark, numerous plant fibers, animal hides and hair, etc. to the use of more current metal strands and synthetic fibers have been used to make rope. Queeney, who has knot tying videos available online, also has an interesting section on the importance and use of knots for the obvious, but also past use of knotted cords for messages, record keeping, and calendars.
Rope is very well researched. There is a note at the beginning that the book is AI Free - No AI was used in the research or writing of the book. I appreciated this after reading several cases where AI made up sources. The amount of researched involved in the book is impressive. This can be seen in the extensive Bibliography, which includes books, web articles, journals, and newspapers. There is also an Index and Notes.
Rope is a good choice for those who like history, sailing, and rope. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/0...
This is a comprehensive look at how rope was made and used throughout history for tools, weapons, boats, construction, in culture/mythology, fishing, crime and punishment, for tricks and adventures, and in space. There is a special extensive focus on the use of rope for sailing and the significance of sailing for exploration, trade, fishing, etc.
The various materials used to make rope are discussed. Everything from bark, numerous plant fibers, animal hides and hair, etc. to the use of more current metal strands and synthetic fibers have been used to make rope. Queeney, who has knot tying videos available online, also has an interesting section on the importance and use of knots for the obvious, but also past use of knotted cords for messages, record keeping, and calendars.
Rope is very well researched. There is a note at the beginning that the book is AI Free - No AI was used in the research or writing of the book. I appreciated this after reading several cases where AI made up sources. The amount of researched involved in the book is impressive. This can be seen in the extensive Bibliography, which includes books, web articles, journals, and newspapers. There is also an Index and Notes.
Rope is a good choice for those who like history, sailing, and rope. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/0...
August 26, 2025
Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization
by Tim Queeney
(This review is based on an ARC sent to me by Netgalley)
Tim Queeney is a sailor who knows about rope and its impact on civilization.
This is a fascinating and informative read. The author takes the reader though the history of rope.
With its linear nature, rope’s ability to act as physical connective tissue is clear(p63)
The role that rope played in lifting civilization was central(P103)
From the building of the pyramids to the rigging that made it possible to sail the seas, from executions to mountain climbing, rope has been one of the most important items in humankind’s toolbox for almost as long as civilization itself has existed.
The three -strand rope found in the pit with Khufu boat proves that the ancient Egyptians were proficient rope makers.
Göbekli Tepe was another example
Located in the Germuş mountains of south-eastern Anatolia, this property presents monumental round-oval and rectangular megalithic structures erected by hunter gatherers. The settlement was inhabited from around 9500 BCE to at least 8000 BCE, during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic. It is known for its large circular structures that contain large stone pillars – among the world's oldest known megaliths.
In 2600BCE in southern Britain Stonehenge was began and rope was an essential tool in the construction. The Polynesian people used rope to build canoes, which were tied together with vegetable fibers. These are just a few examples that the author covers. He goes into great depth investigating the Chinese dynasties, the Phoenicians and the Austronesian peoples. I learnt so much about how rope shaped cultures and the author looks at the present and future how rope can help in making cables for space.as an example.
This book follows the story of this essential tool and its evolution and impact on how it influenced civilization.
.
by Tim Queeney
(This review is based on an ARC sent to me by Netgalley)
Tim Queeney is a sailor who knows about rope and its impact on civilization.
This is a fascinating and informative read. The author takes the reader though the history of rope.
With its linear nature, rope’s ability to act as physical connective tissue is clear(p63)
The role that rope played in lifting civilization was central(P103)
From the building of the pyramids to the rigging that made it possible to sail the seas, from executions to mountain climbing, rope has been one of the most important items in humankind’s toolbox for almost as long as civilization itself has existed.
The three -strand rope found in the pit with Khufu boat proves that the ancient Egyptians were proficient rope makers.
Göbekli Tepe was another example
Located in the Germuş mountains of south-eastern Anatolia, this property presents monumental round-oval and rectangular megalithic structures erected by hunter gatherers. The settlement was inhabited from around 9500 BCE to at least 8000 BCE, during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic. It is known for its large circular structures that contain large stone pillars – among the world's oldest known megaliths.
In 2600BCE in southern Britain Stonehenge was began and rope was an essential tool in the construction. The Polynesian people used rope to build canoes, which were tied together with vegetable fibers. These are just a few examples that the author covers. He goes into great depth investigating the Chinese dynasties, the Phoenicians and the Austronesian peoples. I learnt so much about how rope shaped cultures and the author looks at the present and future how rope can help in making cables for space.as an example.
This book follows the story of this essential tool and its evolution and impact on how it influenced civilization.
.
Read
July 17, 2025I received a free copy of the book through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
My electronic copy did not contain any pictures or diagrams, which would have been very helpful to visualize what he was describing.
The beginning is a slog as even I (reader) could tell he had no enthusiasm for describing the internal structure of ropes. If you are looking to understand the materials science and physics of rope, this is not your book.
This book is full of fascinating anecdotes about sailing and ocean exploration, Queeney's forte. If that is what you are after, this could be a good read for you.
Because Queeney has no passion for the science of fibers, and gets a bit flippant and even snide, I want to erase that bad feeling with a story about making polyamide (nylon) in organic chemistry lab.
You mix 2 colorless liquids and you think that you did it wrong bc it's still colorless and room temperature. (A lot of lab experiments create color changes or energy changes that make the beaker feel hot or cold.)
Then a tiny white hair appears and your teaching assistant orders you to pick it up and roll it on a rod immediately. I, of course, grabbed my #2 yellow pencil instead of a glass stirring rod, laid it across the top of my beaker and started rotating my pencil as a makeshift winch.
Everyone else had beautiful white fibers wrapped around a glass rod. Hold it up to the window and you can see the light dance. My lumpy pencil got me a passing grade. Just barely.
Never take nylon for granted. Making it at scale and reproducibly is very difficult.
Do you want to read about the time I shared a lab with the guy who first made carbon nanotubes at Rice University?
Fibers have romance. This book has it, too. But just not in the science parts.
My electronic copy did not contain any pictures or diagrams, which would have been very helpful to visualize what he was describing.
The beginning is a slog as even I (reader) could tell he had no enthusiasm for describing the internal structure of ropes. If you are looking to understand the materials science and physics of rope, this is not your book.
This book is full of fascinating anecdotes about sailing and ocean exploration, Queeney's forte. If that is what you are after, this could be a good read for you.
Because Queeney has no passion for the science of fibers, and gets a bit flippant and even snide, I want to erase that bad feeling with a story about making polyamide (nylon) in organic chemistry lab.
You mix 2 colorless liquids and you think that you did it wrong bc it's still colorless and room temperature. (A lot of lab experiments create color changes or energy changes that make the beaker feel hot or cold.)
Then a tiny white hair appears and your teaching assistant orders you to pick it up and roll it on a rod immediately. I, of course, grabbed my #2 yellow pencil instead of a glass stirring rod, laid it across the top of my beaker and started rotating my pencil as a makeshift winch.
Everyone else had beautiful white fibers wrapped around a glass rod. Hold it up to the window and you can see the light dance. My lumpy pencil got me a passing grade. Just barely.
Never take nylon for granted. Making it at scale and reproducibly is very difficult.
Do you want to read about the time I shared a lab with the guy who first made carbon nanotubes at Rice University?
Fibers have romance. This book has it, too. But just not in the science parts.
August 11, 2025
A microhistory focused on that which binds, secures or lifts. Rope: How A Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization surveys the full known history of rope from early surviving plant fibers from our ancestors, through the construction of wonders of the world, to the near future possibilities of descendants of rope supporting the massive weight of a space elevator.
Queeney writes clearly in a journalistic tone, specifically when referencing sections reliant on interviews. The tone throughout is informative with cheeky asides, especially when discussing Queeney's own inability to parse the ways researchers in the 1950s developed different materials through chemical experimentation, but is clear enough to be readable and honest in where Queeney has simplified in a way to make the topic palatable to the non expert. The book has 15 chapters divided in to three sections. Each chapter focused on a specific theme, beginning by specific eras, before taking more of a subject centered approach. Overall, many sections are unfortunately brief, especially as much more is focused on the past (perhaps when ropes were more wide spread?), with it seeming only cursory chapters on more modern or contemporary uses, I would certainly have been happy with more about spelunkers or rope (or rope like materials) usage for extra Earth exploration or transit.
A clear work on the benefits of something often just out of sight, yet supporting much weight.
Recommended to readers of science and technology or microhistories.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Queeney writes clearly in a journalistic tone, specifically when referencing sections reliant on interviews. The tone throughout is informative with cheeky asides, especially when discussing Queeney's own inability to parse the ways researchers in the 1950s developed different materials through chemical experimentation, but is clear enough to be readable and honest in where Queeney has simplified in a way to make the topic palatable to the non expert. The book has 15 chapters divided in to three sections. Each chapter focused on a specific theme, beginning by specific eras, before taking more of a subject centered approach. Overall, many sections are unfortunately brief, especially as much more is focused on the past (perhaps when ropes were more wide spread?), with it seeming only cursory chapters on more modern or contemporary uses, I would certainly have been happy with more about spelunkers or rope (or rope like materials) usage for extra Earth exploration or transit.
A clear work on the benefits of something often just out of sight, yet supporting much weight.
Recommended to readers of science and technology or microhistories.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
April 13, 2025
Rope by Tim Queeney offers an unexpected deep dive into a topic most of us take for granted. I'm not sure I would say that rope is "the backbone of civilization", but the author does explore how rope has literally and figuratively held the world together. From Ötzi's death from a flint arrowhead, to pyramid building in ancient Egypt, how rope was used in punishment, and how important rope was in landing Curiosity on Mars, the subject is more fascinating than it might seem at first glance. The book shines when it leans into quirky historical tidbits and surprising innovations.
That said, the tone can be a bit uneven—sometimes breezy and humorous, other times overly detailed or dry. It reads more like a collection of rope-related anecdotes than a cohesive narrative, which may work for some readers but felt slightly disjointed to me. This book is crying out for illustrations! I often wished for visuals and diagrams to complement the content, especially in the more technical sections. I found myself searching the internet often while I read so I could picture pyramid building, khipu, and ropewalks. Still, it’s a solid read if you enjoy niche histories or just enjoy learning how everyday things came to be. Not quite gripping from start to finish, but it was informative. Three and a half stars rounded down.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this book. It will be published on August 12, 2025.
That said, the tone can be a bit uneven—sometimes breezy and humorous, other times overly detailed or dry. It reads more like a collection of rope-related anecdotes than a cohesive narrative, which may work for some readers but felt slightly disjointed to me. This book is crying out for illustrations! I often wished for visuals and diagrams to complement the content, especially in the more technical sections. I found myself searching the internet often while I read so I could picture pyramid building, khipu, and ropewalks. Still, it’s a solid read if you enjoy niche histories or just enjoy learning how everyday things came to be. Not quite gripping from start to finish, but it was informative. Three and a half stars rounded down.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this book. It will be published on August 12, 2025.
August 10, 2025
Four letters, one impactful book! Rope by expert Tim Queeney contains all the information on the topic one could ever wish for. Something we take for granted, rope has been crucial for the furtherment of civilization. Thousands of years ago, it was made with plant and animal material which quickly degraded, then metal (bridges, for example) and finally, synthetics. Queeney describes the evolution in chronological order, finishing with the future of rope.
It's interesting that the creation of rope required cognitive ability and mathematics to prevent it from unraveling. Egyptians were adept at rope making as were Greeks and Romans. There is mention of it in the Bible. It may have been used to construct Stonehenge. One of the biggest uses was and is in the shipbuilding/shipping field but it has also historically been used in building cathedrals, lashing and lifting (explained in detail), fishing nets and lobster traps, punishment and executions, oakum picking in the Victorian era, parachutes in World War II, ranching, ropewalks, and mountaineering and spelunking. When you think about it, life without rope and knots (you can't have one without the other) would be unimaginable.
I just love niche nonfiction books like this, so easy to get utterly absorbed in. The level of detail is breathtaking and produced many lightbulb moments. It made me think of twine and jute as well. The author's personal connection to his father's rope knot is particularly moving.
It's interesting that the creation of rope required cognitive ability and mathematics to prevent it from unraveling. Egyptians were adept at rope making as were Greeks and Romans. There is mention of it in the Bible. It may have been used to construct Stonehenge. One of the biggest uses was and is in the shipbuilding/shipping field but it has also historically been used in building cathedrals, lashing and lifting (explained in detail), fishing nets and lobster traps, punishment and executions, oakum picking in the Victorian era, parachutes in World War II, ranching, ropewalks, and mountaineering and spelunking. When you think about it, life without rope and knots (you can't have one without the other) would be unimaginable.
I just love niche nonfiction books like this, so easy to get utterly absorbed in. The level of detail is breathtaking and produced many lightbulb moments. It made me think of twine and jute as well. The author's personal connection to his father's rope knot is particularly moving.
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