Marlinespikes and Monkey's Fists: Traditional Arts and Knot-Tying Skills of Maritime Workers explores the knot-tying traditions and artistry of maritime workers in the Great Lakes region. It contains a glossary of knot-tying terms, biographical sketches of fifteen knot-tyers, an 18-page essay describing various knot-tying customs such as decorating the workplace and personalizing tools, and experiences of the knot-tyers themselves: their careers, how they learn and pass on knot-tying techniques, and how they view the purpose and importance of the tradition.