NEW Principles of Knitting

This is finally a reality! My pre-ordered copy arrived yesterday, and I posted a review. Anyone else have their copy yet?

This might be a heretical comment on a book loving website, but is it still a relevant book now there's so much information about techniques online?

I'm quite prepared to believe that it is worth buying - Knitting for Anarchists turned out to be well worth a read - but generally how to knit books don't quite cut it anymore and I'd love to know why this one is so good!

Well, I haven't read it all yet but here is a try at explanation. It is comprehensive - almost any technique is there. I have many other knitting technique books- this one is more complete than any of them. The illustrations and explanations are clear and as far as I can tell accurate. The discussions of when and why you might use technique A rather than b, c, d, or q are useful- stretchy cast on vs. firm solid edge, etc. It is a through and detailed reference book rather than something to read through - and I would be cautious recommending it for beginners- Some will thrive on it- others might be intimidated. The original was published in 1989 and has been long out of print- with copies selling for hundreds of dollars. This revision has been in the works for years and folks have been waiting.

I don't particularly find internet knitting instructions easy or reliable- most are fuzzy videos and badly worded instructions. I guess I'm old. I like 736 pages of detail that is well written and carefully edited for less than $30 (pre-ordered price- may be less now from B&N or that Ama.... company. List is $45.) It is probably overkill for many casual knitters, but a lot of us geeks are happy.

I imagine the big book stores and yarn stores will have it available to inspect soon- Check it out - it might be for you, or maybe not.

Thanks, Helenoel. I think I just found my birthday present!

As someone pushing 60, I've found books useful in providing the terminology for certain techniques ... which I can often then find on video, from which I learn a little faster.

What I like about books also is the compilation of info about the craft. I also love books about the history of knitting. Any suggestions (or maybe I should post a new thread ...)?