Oxford World's Classics: Scouting for Boys: The Original 1908 Edition

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A startling amalgam of Zulu war-cry and Sherlock Holmes, this influential manual for youth, originally published in 1908, serves as the blueprint for the Boy Scout Movement. An all-time bestseller, it is known and loved worldwide, second only to the Bible during its heyday. This critical edition includes Baden-Powell's original illustrations and presents a captivating mix of true crime stories, moral lessons, adventure tales, natural history, first-aid tips, and advice on observation and tracking. Readers will encounter a pastiche of jingoist lore and tracker legend, enriched with lengthy quotes from adventure fiction by authors like Rudyard Kipling and Arthur Conan Doyle, reflecting the anxieties of its time, including fears of degeneration and imminent war. Alongside practical instructions on lighting fires, building boats, and stalking, it emphasizes chivalry, self-discipline, self-improvement, and citizenship. The book embodies Baden-Powell's philosophy of prioritizing service over self, country over the individual, and duty above all. An introduction by Elleke Boehmer sheds light on the book's complexity, while her notes clarify obscure references. Nearly a century later, this work continues to fascinate and motivate readers, appealing to those interested in popular culture, Victorian history, and children's literature.