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The Red Book or How To Play Indian - Directions for Organizing a Tribe of Boy Indians, Making Their Teepees etc. in True Indian Style

by Ernest Thompson Seton

A historical guide to organized play

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A historical guide to organized play

Originally published in 1904, Ernest Thompson Seton’s handbook sets out a structured program for children’s “Indian” play, from forming a group and establishing rules to making teepees and recording achievements. Its contents also range into athletics, nature study, and photography, placing outdoor activities alongside the book’s ceremonial and organizational elements. The volume is best approached as a period document: its framing of Native American traditions reflects the era in which it was written, not a contemporary account of Indigenous cultures. This edition also includes a newly commissioned biography of Seton.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in the history of organized youth activities and scouting.
  • Those studying early-20th-century children’s books and representations of Native American cultures.
  • Readers interested in Seton’s outdoor and nature-study writing.

Themes

Organized youth activitiesOutdoor skills and nature studyEarly-20th-century depictions of Native American traditions

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"The Red Book or How To Play Indian" is a 1904 work by Ernest Thompson Seton. It offers instructions and information on how children can 'play Indians', with cultural details to help them be more authentic and learn about Native American traditions and practices. Included are instructions on such actives as organizing a tribe, making teepees, and much more. Contents include: "To Organize a Band of Indians", "Vow of the Head Chief", "Vow of Each Brave on Joining", "Laws", "Teepees", "A List of the Exploits of Coups that Entitled the Brave to a Decoration", "Athletics", "White Honors", "Nature Study", "Photography", etc. Ernest Thompson Seton (1860 - 1946) was an English-born Canadian author and wildlife artist who founded the Woodcraft Indians in 1902. He was also among the founding members of the Boy Scouts of America, established in 1910. He wrote profusely on this subject, the most notable of his scouting literature including "The Birch Bark Roll" and the "Boy Scout Handbook". Seton was also an early pioneer of animal fiction writing, and he is fondly remembered for his charming book "Wild Animals I Have Known" (1898). Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new biography of the author.
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