In the 1880s, when this was first published, THE HANDY BOOK was the perfect survival manual and source of constructive fun for boys. Its 441 pages and more than 300 illustrations show how to make a 4th of July hot-air balloon; stock, make and keep a fresh-water aquarium; build a snow fort; preserve birds' nests; construct your own Crusoe raft; camp out without a tent; make a miniature boomerang, and much more! This trade paperback is tightly bound (so I couldn't show you any of the interior illustrations), with just a bit of edge wear and light reading creases.