American Boy's Handy Book

Daniel Carter Beard was the first National Commissioner and Chairman of the Court of Honor in the Boy Scouts of America as well as president of the Camp Fire Girls Club.

At first glance, this republication of a more than 100-year-old book is simply an artifact of immense nostalgic charm.... The Handy Book was then - and now again is - a brim-full collection of guidance on an immensity of subjects, ranging from knot tying to boat-making, to outdoor survival without appropriate gear. Sure there have been developments and discoveries since, of equipment and techniques. But it's astonishing how up to date much of the splendid stuff is."