Athletics for Schoolboys by Lt.-Col. F. A. M. Webster is a charming and increasingly collectible interwar athletics handbook produced by the makers of Ovaltine to encourage physical fitness and sporting excellence among young athletes. Written by one of Britain's foremost athletics coaches and English Javelin Champion (1911 and 1923), the book provides practical instruction covering virtually every major track and field discipline.
Despite its compact pocket-sized format, this illustrated volume offers detailed guidance on sprint starts, middle-distance running, relay racing, hurdling, steeplechasing, shot putting, javelin throwing, long jump, high jump and pole vaulting. Webster was renowned for introducing more scientific coaching methods to British athletics, and his instructional works became influential among schools and athletics clubs throughout Britain during the 1920s and 1930s. Athletics for Schoolboys forms part of the series of promotional sporting publications distributed by A. Wander Ltd., the manufacturers of Ovaltine.
Today Athletics for Schoolboys appeals not only to collectors of athletics literature but also to those interested in Olympic history, physical education, sporting memorabilia and Ovaltine advertising. Its attractive red cloth binding with gilt decoration and its historical association with one of Britain's leading athletics authorities make it a desirable addition to any collection of vintage sports books.
An excellent collectible for enthusiasts of athletics history, coaching manuals, Olympic memorabilia, or early twentieth-century sporting publications.
Condition - Very Good
Small-format, undated 75-page hardcover. Red cloth boards remain sound with the original gilt decoration and lettering now dulled through age. Binding is firm. Foxing is present throughout the text block, consistent with age. A clean, complete copy with light general age-related wear.
