Each summer, millions of children complain, "There's nothing to do." Originally published in 1888, The American Boy's Handy Book resoundingly challenges this age-old dilemma by providing a huge number of ideas for fun and instructional projects for young boys. Everything from camping and kite building to raising dogs and building boats is detailed for the would-be adventurer and do-it your-selfer.

A manual of past times, which includes instructions for making kites, fishing poles, a blow gun, boats, and theatrical costumes, and for raising dogs, stuffing animals, stocking an aquarium, and camping. Contains small sections on recreational mind-reading and fortune-telling.

These descriptions of leisure-time activities for Victorian girls were designed to cultivate their curiosity and inventiveness, and to help them gain self-confidence regarding their competence and talents.

For Dan Beard, founder of the American Scouting movement, every scout worth his merit badge was expected to read this book, which includes instructions on how to build a fire, cook venison, prepare for a camping trip, use an axe and a saw, and more.

From the author of The American Boy's Handy Book comes yet another guide to wholesome, imaginative fun. This book features dozens of indoor and outdoor activities, with simple instructions and easy-to-follow diagrams for building a backyard clubhouse, setting up a workshop, picnic games, papercrafts, and other diversions.

"There's nothing to do!", "I'm Bored!". Ever hear that from your children? If so, here's the antidote. This book provides guidelines for a variety of games and activities that range from the ancient to the ultramodern. Including rules from everything from One Old Cat to Ultimate Frisbee, this book will keep boredom at bay -- even during the seemingly endless days of summer! Got children with time on their hands and nothing to do? This book -- along with a few props available in almost any garage -- will solve the problem. Happy, Active Children Are No Accident!

The American Girl's Handy Book was one of the earliest works written primarily for girls' amusement and enjoyment. It introduced original and novel ideas to open new routes for enterprise and entertainment for girls. The main goal was to engrave upon the girls' minds that they all have talent and the ability to achieve more than what they think is possible. During the time of this book's publication, it was unusual to promote girls to be inventive. But the writer desired to awaken this creative side in them by giving detailed methods of new tasks and amusements, to put them on the road they could travel and explore alone. Anyone curious about knowing the initiatives taken for girls' empowerment in the olden days will find this work beneficial.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A KNOT SAMPLER FROM THE CHAPTER ON "KNOTS FOR HIKING & CAMPING" (Provide us with a little information and we'll send your download directly to your inbox) * Guidelines for selecting the best rope and the best knot for the activity at hand * Knot-tying directions clearly illustrated with photos * New entry in the Mountaineers Outdoor Basics series It's fair to say that climber Clyde Soles is obsessed with ropes and knots and their absolute performance-since he regularly entrusts his life to ropes on sheer rock faces. His unique book explains how to select and use ropes, cordage, and webbing for the outdoors. Invaluable information is provided on rope handling techniques (how to avoid dreaded tangles) and the best methods for rope care and maintenance. Step-by-step directions for tying over 40 knots are clearly illustrated with photographs. Other useful features include a glossary and a knot comparison chart by activity. Chapters include Knots Basics (from Tripod Lashing to the Figure 8 Loop), Knots for Hikers and Climbers (from the Prusik knot to the Autoblock), Knots for Canoeists and Kayakers (from the Buntline hitch to the Bowline on a bight), and more. This is the definitive text on ropes and knots for anyone who plays in the outdoors!