Subject
Magic tricks -- 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.
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Parlour Magic
"Parlour Magic" by Henry Perkins is a manual of entertaining scientific experiments and illusions intended for family recreation, likely written in the mid-19th century. The work aims to provide youth with creative and instructive ways to engage their friends during leisure time, using simple experiments that can be performed at home. Through a collection of engaging phenomena and magical tricks, the book encourages young readers to explore scientific principles while fostering their ability to impress and entertain. At the start of "Parlour Magic," the author outlines the purpose of the book, emphasizing its intention to relieve boredom and enrich social gatherings through playful experimentation. Perkins introduces a variety of light and color experiments, such as changing the color of flowers using heat and showcasing the properties of light through simple apparatuses. These opening portions highlight the accessible nature of the experiments, which require minimal materials and are designed for a parlour or drawing-room setting, allowing young "conjurors" to amaze their friends with scientific magic.
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