Fry’s Ties: The Life and Times of a Tie Collection

During the early days of the COVID shutdown, actor/comedian/director Fry (More Fool Me: A Memoir) began showcasing his vast collection of neckties on Instagram. This book—an homage to the ubiquitous natty accessory—is an extension of that project. A compact and highly enjoyable visual index of Fry’s favorite ties (or “neckjoys” or “throat-gear,” as he calls them), the book is told in his humorous voice. It includes charming anecdotes, comical footnotes, and lots of tie-related histories of designers and fashion houses. Through photographs, illustrations, and a nostalgic and droll tone, the book also shows how to tie a variety of knots, including some that are lesser known (e.g., the trinity and the Van Wijk). Readers will learn all kinds of historical tidbits about the paisley pattern, the links between ties and playing cards, and the inspiration for George Orwell’s Animal Farm.