Boy Scout Handbook

The Boy Scout Handbook is the official handbook of the Boy Scouts of America. Robert Baden-Powell's handbook, Scouting for Boys, has been the basis for Scout handbooks in many countries, with some variations to the text of the book depending on each country's codes and customs.

The original edition of the handbook was based on Baden-Powell's work. Ernest Thompson Seton combined his Woodcraft manual, the Birch Bark Rolls, with Baden-Powell's Scouting for Boys. Subsequent works were done by other authors. William "Green Bar Bill" Hillcourt wrote the 6th, 7th, and 9th editions. Frederick L. Hines wrote the 8th, and Robert Birkby the 10th and 11th editions.

The Original Edition

A Handbook of Woodcraft, Scouting, and Life-craft was published in 1910, the year that William D. Boyce instituted the Boy Scouts of America. Written by Ernest Seton and drawing greatly on Lord Robert Baden-Powell's Scouting for Boys, it included information on the organization of Scouting, signs and signalling, and camping, as well as Scouting games and a description of several Scouting honours. Notably, this book did not place emphasis on first aid, knife and axe use, or map and compasswork, as later editions would. Because this edition of was intended solely as a temporary guide until an authoritative handbook could be made, it is now known as 'The Original'. The cover art was an illustration by Baden-Powell. 68,900 copies printed were printed from 1910—1911.

More History on the Boy Scout Handbook (external site)