The result of the author's field studies over two years in a school playground, this book records conversations and events, illustrating the games and jokes beloved by children. The book shows how school-lore evolves and is transmitted. Much human behaviour is recorded here - the differences in attitudes between the sexes; the boys' devotion to fighting and football, and their innate kindness; the art of story-telling; the friendships and enmities; the interest in sex; the diversity of characters; and the hilarity which creates entertainment out of trivialities. Gaining insight into the world of the child, the reader recognizes jokes of previous generations - at once a revelation and a reassurance of continuity. This account is intended for parents, teachers, folklorists, psychiatrists, sociologists and anthropologists.