The Boy's Own Book of Indoor Games and Recreations A Popular Encyclopædia for Boys

"The Boy's Own Book of Indoor Games and Recreations" by C. Stansfeld Hicks and others is a handbook dedicated to the amusement and enrichment of young boys during the late 1800s. It includes a wide range of indoor activities, from physical exercises and juggling to crafting models, all intended to amuse and cultivate practical abilities and physical well-being. The introduction expresses the book's goal of combining scientific knowledge with fun, encouraging boys to grow physically and morally. The importance of gymnastics is emphasized as a countermeasure to inactive lifestyles, and a precise plan for physical development is offered. The writers share their insight into how these activities can teach, mixing amusement with an objective to instill discipline and build positive character through participation in recreational activities.