Parkhurst Boys, and Other Stories of School Life

"Parkhurst Boys, and Other Stories of School Life" by Talbot Baines Reed is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The book primarily revolves around the lives, adventures, and misadventures of schoolboys at Parkhurst School, capturing various aspects of school life, camaraderie, and youthful aspiration through different narratives. The stories depict a range of events, from football matches to historical recounts of boys who played pivotal roles in English history. The beginning of the collection introduces readers to one of the main characters, Adams, as he anticipates playing in his first football match representing Parkhurst School against their rivals, Craven. The narrative captures his excitement, the pressures he feels from teammates, and the vivid memories of his aspirations as a young boy. This initial chapter sets the tone for the exploration of athletic competition and the moral lessons inherent in school life, showcasing the friendships and rivalries that define the boys' experiences. As Adams steps onto the field, he embodies the hopes and dreams of youth, making the reader eager to follow his journey and the adventures that the other stories will unfold. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Talbot Baines Reed was an English writer of boys' fiction who established a genre of school stories that endured into the mid-20th century. Among his best-known work is The Fifth Form at St. Dominic's. He was a regular and prolific contributor to The Boy's Own Paper (B.O.P.), in which most of his fiction first appeared. Through his family's business, Reed became a prominent typefounder, and wrote a standard work on the subject: History of the Old English Letter Foundries.