Subject
Games -- Juvenile literature Books
Best books
C. Stansfeld Hicks
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 Dr. Gordon Stables, C. Stansfeld Hicks, J. N. Maskelyne, and others is a comprehensive guide on indoor games and recreational activities aimed primarily at young boys, written in the late 19th century. This eclectic volume encompasses a wide variety of activities, from gymnastics and juggling to model-making and magic lantern presentations, all designed to entertain while educating young minds in practical skills and physical fitness. The opening portion presents a detailed preface that highlights the book's intention to combine scientific instruction with entertainment, fostering both physical and moral development in boys. The importance of gymnastics is emphasized as an antidote to sedentary lifestyles, and a structured approach to physical development is proposed. In particular, the preface outlines various exercises that can be practiced without equipment, alongside essential advice on diet and the preparation necessary for safe practice. The authors provide insight into the educational value of the activities, blending enjoyment with a mission to instill discipline and character through engagement in recreational pursuits.
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
Floor Games; a companion volume to "Little Wars"
"Floor Games; a companion volume to "Little Wars"" by H. G. Wells is a book published in 1911. In a humorously dictatorial tone, Wells argues that the best indoor games require floor space, toy soldiers, wooden blocks, and imagination. Drawing from play experiences with his two young sons, he describes creative games involving island kingdoms, twin cities, and engineering projects. This pioneering work has been recognized as an early precursor to learning through play and child psychotherapy, frequently reprinted alongside its companion volume "Little Wars."
Mary White
The Child's Rainy Day Book
"The Child's Rainy Day Book" by Mary White is a guidebook aimed at helping children engage in creative indoor activities during rainy days, likely written in the early 20th century. The book offers a variety of crafts and toys that children can make, encouraging self-sufficiency in play rather than reliance on commercial toys. It focuses on the joy of creating and the value of imagination in entertainment. At the start of the book, the author addresses the common dilemma parents face when children are stuck indoors on rainy days and emphasizes the need for engaging activities. White suggests that many traditional toys are less appealing to children than home-made toys, highlighting how memorable and cherished are the games and crafts children create themselves. She introduces several projects in the first chapter, including simple games and toys that can be made from easily accessible materials, thus promoting creativity and resourcefulness in children.
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