The 85 Ways to Tie a Tie: The Science and Aesthetics of Tie Knots

The 85 Ways to Tie a Tie: The Science and Aesthetics of Tie Knots
ISBN-10
0767906438
ISBN-13
9780767906432
Category
Reference / General
Pages
144
Language
English
Published
2000
Publisher
Broadway Books
Authors
Thomas Fink, Yong Mao

Description

Until 1900, there was only one. In the 1930s, Edward, Prince of Wales, became the unwitting embodiment of two more, even though he in fact wore neither. It was not until 1989 that a fourth was finally identified. In more than 150 years of tie wearing, only four ways to tie a tie were generally known. But fashion's lethargy has been science's opportunity. Two Cambridge physicists, using a model based on atomic motion & a branch of mathematics--knot theory--dedicated themselves to unraveling the full potential of the twists & turns of the necktie & to freeing men's fashion from the tyranny of limited choice. This is the story of how they did it, how they discovered that eighty-five knots could be tied. The result is a wonderful blend of science, fashion, & practicality that will become the must-have accessory for all well-dressed men. All eighty-five knots are presented here, with diagrams & photographs, accompanied by a history of the tying. For the first time, it is possible to choose between a Plattsburgh & an Oriental, a Saint Andrews & a Nicky--as well as the already known Windsor, half-Windsor, & the ubiquitous four-in-hand. Style & science have never before combined so effortlessly to fashion the opportunities for the tie knot.

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