A Satirical Warning

Published in 1927, 'Bringing Up the Boy' is a foundational text often credited with sparking significant debate about masculinity in the 20th century. Lynd, writing from a distinctly old-fashioned perspective, uses a satirical tone to critique what he sees as the failures of modern society in raising boys. He argues that contemporary educational and social trends, combined with parental indifference to traditional manliness, are producing young men who are weak, lacking in courage, initiative, and moral fiber.

The narrative voice is that of a fictional 'Boy of Yesterday', recounting his experiences and contrasting them sharply with the failures he observes in the present generation of young men ('Men of Tomorrow'). Through anecdotes and observations, the book paints a grim picture of a society where physical weakness, emotional fragility, and a lack of practical skills are becoming normalized.