Charles-Edward Amory Winslow was a scientist who had spent many months traveling the world speaking to groups of school children on the topic of hygiene and public health. While more advanced than today's children's books, Healthy Living is a two volume helped children (young adults really) learn about anatomy, circulation, and proper hygiene and disease prevention.
Written with the backdrop of World War I, the themes of staying strong, both physically and mentally were essential not only to the individual, but to the country as a whole. In his introduction Winslow writes,
Loyalty to the common tasks of the American Democracy is the first and the foremost lesson which our schools must teach; and strength for service - strength physical, strength intellectual, strength of character and purpose - is the foundation of that loyalty. (page4)
Using illustrations from the Boy Scouts of America, New York City Health Department, and the National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis, Winslow uses images to connect with his audience and convey his message of public health.
Many of the messages contained within would be considered common sense to readers today, but in the early 20th century public health was a new medical and educational field. Winslow's book could be considered to be one of the first generation of materials available to children centering on health and the human body.
The Ebling Library Copy (QT 210 W778h 1920) 2 volumes
Our copy of Healthy Living has the original antique hardcover brown cloth covers with dark brown lettering. Some very slight edgewear. Both volumes include numerous illustrations, in addition to diagrams, drawings, and photos detailing the proper procedures for exercise, domestic tasks and character building.
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