Queeney, in his book, traces the evolution of rope and its functions. It began humbly, uniting stone and stick into prehistoric tools such as spears, hammers, and arrows. As harvested strands ...

Rope is everywhere. Humans have been using this simple tool for thousands of years, and whether you’re sailing across the ocean or just tying your shoes, you can’t get far without some form of rope.

In “Rope,” Tim Queeney makes a case for the humble material as the tie that binds human history. By Sam Kean Sam Kean is the author of seven books, including “Dinner With King Tut,” “The Icepick ...