This official manual of the British Croquet Association dates from 1920, and includes several illustrations which help explain the rules and methodology behind this classic game.
Variations of croquet date back to 17th century England, with the monarch Charles II said to have partook in an early incarnation of the game. The first descriptions resembling the modern game however appeared in Victorian times; it was in this period that croquet ascended to popularity, gaining appreciation as a tranquil yet engaging compliment to outdoor gatherings. By 1920, when this guidebook was published, croquet had swung in and out of fashion multiple times; nevertheless, its place in the recreational roster of Europeans and North Americans alike was clear.
This book is intended as a handy reference for experienced players and beginners alike. It contains the essential instructions, measurements and laws of the game. The simplicity and flexibility of croquet is evident; it can be played upon garden or park lawns, at the beach, or upon grassy meadows. Yet while the game can be picked up with ease and its equipment is easy to assemble, this manual is clear that mastering play is a tough accomplishment.