The challenge of enjoying yourself (4).

In the 1930s and 1940s this set of books would have graced the bookshelves of many households. The books were published by Odhams Press, a London publisher which had begun life as a Victorian printing company and included among its publications the magazines ‘Ideal Home’ and ‘Horse and Hound’. The books in this series too faded to read on my shelf are ‘The Practical Handyman’, ‘The Practical Home Doctor’, ‘The Home Counsellor’, ‘The Wonderful Story of the Human Body’ and ‘The Practical Way to Keep Fit’.

It seems likely they date from the 1930s despite being undated – one refers to Mr Hitler who has recently come to power in Germany. My favourite title, for sure, is ‘How to write, think and speak correctly’ which seems to cover everything. The title I want to write about today is ‘The Home Entertainer’ by Sid G. Hedges. Sidney George Hedges was a prolific writer of works on sports and games of all types especially swimming.

‘The Home Entertainer’ is a wonderful book and captures a period of party-giving and home entertainment covering everything from community songs complete with music, the rules for every type of game, catering and ideas for themed parties like the wonderful Hikers’ Party shown above.