Book Review: The Dangerous Book for Boys
Highlights of the Australian Edition by Conn and Hal Iggulden
Feb 18, 2008
After the success of the standard edition of The Dangerous Book for Boys by Hal and Conn Iggulden (HarperCollins, 2006), it was hardly surprising when two follow-up books appeared in 2007. One, The Daring Book for Girls (Collins, 2007) provided an equivalent encouragement to adventure and learning for girls and the other was an Australian edition of The Dangerous Book for Boys (Collins, 2007).
Published originally for the UK market, this book has been re-edited for an Australian and American edition with more targeted information for each culture. The introduction for the Australian edition is written by John Doyle, better known as “rampaging” Roy Slaven of “Roy and HG” fame. He encourages Australian boys to choose curiosity, adventure and enthusiasm about their world over the monotonous and questionable entertainment of computer games and endless hours of television.
Australian Information
The most significant difference in this edition is, not surprisingly, the Australian content. A list of Australian Prime Ministers since Federation in 1901, maps of Australian exploration and details of native snakes, spiders and insects all make this edition more interesting and relevant for Australian readers.
Games and Activities for Boys
Rules for play are given for the sports of cricket, rugby union, rugby league, football (soccer) and Australian rules football. There are also tips for building a paper plane, building a go-cart or treehouse, and more scientific fun with a step-by-step guide to building a battery, making cloth fireproof and how to write a message in invisible ink. Rules for chess and a collection of pen and paper games are also included.
Adventures and Practical Knowledge
Tying knots, skimming stones and making a bow and arrow will keep active boys busy (and no doubt mothers a little wary). There is information about fishing, both for identifying a limited number of fish and discussion of different fishing techniques and equipment. A guide to training a dog, including 15 different tricks, will keep a boy and his four-legged friend occupied for some time.
History and Information
A range of genealogies of royal families and details of famous battles will satisfy history enthusiasts. There is information on fossils, dinosaurs, navigation by the stars, basic geology and geography, codes and ciphers, and cloud formations. As mentioned, there is a range of Australian history topics and also profiles of famous adventurers from around the world such as Scott of the Antarctic.
Lists and General Knowledge
One of the great aspects of The Dangerous Book for Boys is the balance it offers. Not only are sports and active outdoor pursuits encouraged, but the provision of history and science information as well language and academic pursuits such as chess and Latin provide a wonderful range of contrasting activities to engage a boy’s attention and imagination.
A list of 34 books every boy should read includes suitable ages for most of the entries. There are five poems that every boy should know as well as a list of common Latin phrases and four pages of famous Shakespearean quotes.
More sensitive or conservative parents may be concerned about the broad range of topics and adventures covered by this book. Topics such as “Hunting and Cooking a Rabbit” will be unappealing to some and “Making a Bow and Arrow” may worry some parents. The Dangerous Book for Boys advises moderation and safety throughout, whilst still encouraging boys to get outdoors and explore their world. It also offers activities for not only the body but also the mind, encouraging boys to diversify their interests and abilities.
Related Articles:
The Daring Book for Girls - Australian Edition
Activities and Information to Entertain Children
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