Book:The Boy's Own Book: a complete encyclopedia of all the diversions, athletic, scientific and recreati

First published in England in 1828, "The Boy's Own Book" proved immensely popular and quickly made its way across the Atlantic. At a time when books were becoming less expensive and more widely available, this one appealed to parents' concerns about the uncontrolled reading habits of their young sons. Left to their own devices, boys would surely buy books of "objectionable character." The book's publisher encouraged parents to give this book to their sons as a present. Boys would not want any other book once they discovered this one, which was "much more amusing and instructive" to boys than the "cheap trash" they might purchase otherwise. The book found an appreciative audience, and the first edition sold out within two months without any advertising. Reflecting recent ideas about childhood and raising boys in particular, the book devoted as much time to outdoor games as it did to riddles, magic tricks, and other sorts of mental activities. Outdoor activities, the book claimed, helped boys develop strength and dexterity, and inspired those most American qualities, courage and confidence. The book made no mention of reading or religion, as similar books for girls did; and the American edition eliminated the regal game of chess in favor of the more democratic checkers.