*Healthful Sports for Boys* by A.R. Calhoun is a timeless guide to outdoor games and activities, aimed at fostering physical health, moral character, and a deep connection with nature. Structured around the four seasons, the book suggests a wide range of sports and pastimes that are most suitable for each time of year. Calhoun’s emphasis is not solely on competition but on the value of honest play and the lessons it imparts about life and integrity.

The book covers activities such as running, swimming, baseball, fishing, hunting, and hiking, alongside more organized team sports and cooperative games. Calhoun encourages boys to develop not only physical strength and skill but also the virtues of fairness, teamwork, and resilience. The author’s tone is encouraging and supportive, advocating for balanced play that develops both body and mind.

More than a simple manual of games, *Healthful Sports for Boys* offers guidance to parents and grandparents, encouraging them to participate in these activities and to foster a spirit of joy and cooperation among children. While primarily targeted at boys, Calhoun’s insights apply to girls and family members as well, promoting sportsmanship, outdoor exploration, and lifelong healthful habits.

Calhoun underscores the importance of play not only as a physical exercise but as a means of developing integrity, responsibility, and a sense of community. The book’s central message is that honest play leads to honest dealings in life—a philosophy that extends beyond childhood into adulthood.