Yong Mao

I admit it was a little intimidating at first to see that not only was this book written by two Cambridge University physicists, but that they had devised their own special notation system for defining the physics of tying a tie. We've come a long way from 'the bunny runs around the tree and goes into the hole.'

In fact, however, the guides are not only quite easy to follow (although there's still a certain amount of practice required to perfect the knots), but Fink and Mao are good about describing which knots work best with various types of ties, collars, and faces.

Now I look at this book like I do those glossy cocktail books, full of enticing photos of multi-colored drinks. Those make me want to work my way down the bar, and this made me wish I worked someplace where I could wear a tie more often, just for the joy of experimenting with the knots. Well, almost, anyway.

At any rate, any man who fancies himself a stylish dresser (or at least one who doesn't take his fashion cues from Brad Pitt and Bruce Willis) should keep this handy little guidebook next to his gold collar pins and framed photo of Fred Astaire.… (mehr)

This is a great book for anyone at all interested in neck-wear (as indeed I am)
The book begins with a fascinating chapter entitled 'A Brief History of Tie Knots,which included several relevant illustrations of the famous,and not so famous,wearing a variety of ties and cravats. Among these on page 40 is an advert for Van Heusen ties which is one of the worst examples of male chauvinism that I have come across for a long,long time.Most of the rest of the book is taken up with THE KNOTS and it is taking up many happy hours trying out the various types.I did not well realise just how many there were.… (mehr)