This Work is a companion volume to Cassell's Book of Sports and Pastimes. As the latter—with the exception of the special sections on "Recreative Science," "The Workshop," and "Home Pets"—is largely occupied with games and sports which are usually carried on out-of-doors, it will be seen that the present book, which is almost exclusively devoted to indoor games of various kinds, forms a very fitting supplement to the other.

It has been the constant aim of the different writers to convey their information in plain, accurate, direct fashion, so that readers may come to understand, on the first occasion of consulting it, that Cassell's Book of Indoor Amusements, Card Games, and Fireside Fun is a Work that deserves their confidence, and may accordingly acquire the habit of referring to it, as a matter of course, when in doubt on any point connected with their favourite games, or when desirous of learning new amusements. Reference has now and again been unavoidably made to outdoor games, either by way of comparison or suggestion for further details. In such cases the reference always has been to the companion volume already mentioned, so that readers possessing the two books will have no difficulty in following the instructions of the Author. In the section on "Parlour Magic" no trick has been described involving the use of apparatus in any degree elaborate. The one or two tricks of a formidable character which are there fully explained have been selected—as the text, in fact, expressly states—to show young conjurers what can really be done with the help of long training and expensive appliances.

In conclusion, the Editor hopes that this work may be the means of introducing many a new game to the young folk for whom it has been his happiness to cater. He will not tell them that all play and no work make Jack a stupid boy, because he has no doubt that his readers are just as fond of their lessons as they are of merry romps or quieter games.