Write Now with Scrivener Episode 54: Tim Queeney, Author of a History of Rope
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Sep 3, 2025 Tim Queeney, an experienced sailor and author of 'Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization,' shares his insights on the essential yet overlooked history of rope. He reveals how ancient rope was pivotal in constructing megastructures and the development of early tools. Tim discusses the fascinating story of the oldest known rope, its connection to Neanderthals, and how modern uses range from military applications to alpinism. Plus, he offers a sneak peek into his upcoming book on maps!
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A Knot As Family Memory
- Tim Queeney kept a knotted piece of his late father's rope because the knot felt like a physical manifestation of him.
- That memory prompted Tim to write a book exploring rope's cultural and personal significance.
Look Beyond Sailing For Rope Uses
- Recognize modern rope use beyond sailing: arborists, military, offshore moorings, alpinists, and cavers rely on rope daily.
- Consider rope as a practical, lighter alternative to wire in deep-water moorings.
Rope's Invisibility Is Tied To Decay
- Rope is so omnipresent across history that it became invisible to us because natural ropes rot away.
- The perishability of natural fibers explains why rope's historical role is underappreciated.
