"Boy Scouts Test of Courage; Or, Winning the Merit Badge" is a thrilling adventure book that provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Boy Scouts of America. The book, written by Archibald Lee Fletcher and copyrighted in 1913 by M.A. Donohue & Company, is an excellent example of early 20th-century youth literature that encourages the virtues of courage, perseverance, and leadership.
The book tells the story of a group of young Boy Scouts who set out on a challenging journey to earn their merit badges. The Scouts navigate some of the most difficult terrains and obstacles that nature has to offer, demonstrating their moral character along the way. The Scouts encounter wildlife, including bears and cougars, and face natural obstacles like dangerous rapids and deep canyons.
Throughout the book, Fletcher emphasizes the importance of the Scouts' training, as they exhibit their knowledge of first aid, tracking, and woodcraft skills. The book underscores the message of preparation, emphasizing that by being prepared, the Scouts could overcome any obstacle thrown at them.
The characters are well developed and their personalities are relatable and interesting. The book has themes that would appeal to an audience of admirers of adventure, coming of age and heroism. The book is a testament to the founding principles of the Boy Scouts, which include service, leadership, and self-reliance.
Overall, "Boy Scouts Test of Courage; Or, Winning the Merit Badge" is a timeless classic that captures the spirit of adventure, courage, and leadership. The book remains relevant today, continuing to inspire readers of all ages to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives.
Author: Archibald Lee Fletcher
Publisher: M.A. Donohue & Co., Chicago
Copyright: 1913
Printing: No mention, very likely a first edition
Physical size: 7.5 x 4.75
Pages: 150
Condition: Acceptable condition. Binding feels a little loose, but upon closer inspection it is still together. Some hard cover wear on the bottom side. Nice shape for the age!
Here are the eBay definitions of condition. I place the definition here that resembles the condition of this publication the closest:
Books & Magazines
Acceptable: The book has obvious wear. It may have some damage to the cover, but its integrity is intact. The binding may be slightly damaged, but its integrity is still intact. There may be possible writing in the margins and underlining and highlighting of text, but there are no missing pages or anything that would compromise the legibility or understanding of the text. See the seller's listing for full details and a description of any imperfections
This book is a time capsule from a previous era, with some examples in my collection going back over 120 years old. The conditions of media of this age can include fading, yellowing, cracking spines, odor, missing pages, loose or missing covers, and much more. I will try to alert you as to the condition of what I am listing. Each book I do a brief check of it's overall condition, but I cannot promise that something such as missing pages, or clipped photos could escape my glance. Thanks for checking out this old time classic!
I will be listing hundreds of vintage books, magazines, catalogs, and media in the coming weeks and months. Keep a look out for additional listings, and thanks for supporting this cancer survivor and small business!