The Ashley Book of Knots is probably the only book I’ve ever returned, and I did so even though I didn’t get a full refund.
Most of the knots in it are either decorative, useless, or just a renamed version of a different knot.
Most of the knots in it are either decorative, useless, or just a renamed version of a different knot.
Maybe you're thinking of a different book?
I’ll share an image of my order history if you want
I've had mine for near 20 years now and only ever bothered learning one knot out of it, #599 The Chinese Button knot, which I find relaxing. I wouldn't recommend it as the first book you buy on the subject, but maybe as the third or final book, when you have a feel for tying. The instructions are there for the best way of tying a bowline #1010, but a beginner would struggle.
Nevertheless, it remains in the category of Far More Than You Ever Wanted To Know.