The American Boy's Book of Sports and Games : A Practical Guide to Indoor and Outdoor Amusements

Hundreds of ingenious pastimes for boys (and girls) of any age - includes over 1,000 spectacular illustrations!

First published in 1864, The American Boy's Book of Sport and Games presents a lively portrait of sport in the nineteenth century and offers an astonishing range of physical and mental activities, many of which are still relevant today.

From games played with homemade toys to fun with pets, magic, and woodshop, there is something here to delight any modern-day youngster, be they eight or eighty.

Browse through and find instruction on: - playground games, including marbles, King of the Castle, and Battle for the Banner - sports such as bowling, croquet, fencing, badminton, gymnastics, ice-skating and swimming - making kites, a bow and arrow, fire balloons, and more - sailing boats and nautical terms - caring for dogs, pigeons, guinea pigs, or aquarium fish - parlor games, from Blind Man's Bluff to Dominoes and Jack Straws - a full repertoire of magic and dinner-party gags, from the "Erratic Egg" to "The Decapitation" Of particular interest to the modern reader is a wonderful chapter on base ball, a relatively new pastime in 1864. An astute observer will recognize the evolution of rules and play over the past 135 years.

Also included are chapters on card games, arithmetical and scientific stumpers, in addition to puzzles (complete with answers located at the back of the book).

The American Boy's Book of Sports and Games is at once a cherished snapshot of American leisure past and a welcome alternative to today's Nintendo and Pokemon.