Boxiana; or, Sketches of Ancient and Modern Pugilism, from the Days of the Renowned Broughton and Slack, to the Championship of Cribb: Volume 1 by Pierce Egan (19-Jan-2001) Paperback

by Pierce Egan

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1830 edition. ... CELEBRATED PUGILISTS * " * f ' " 4 i * SINCE THE DAYS CP THE RENOWNED CHAMPION, JAMES BELCHER. I'll read you matter, deep and dangerous, As full of peril and advent'rous spirit, . As to o'erwalk a current, roaring loud, On the unsteadfast footing of a spear. *j *' i' . . . . JACK O'DONNEL. Thumps follow thumps, and blows succeeding blows, Swell the black eye, and crush the bleeding nose; Beneath the pond'rous fist the jaw-bone cracks, And the cheeks ring with their redoubled thwacks O'donkel was a native of Ireland, but, it seems, he left the sod at a very early period of his life, in quest of fame, and was not long in finding his way to the long foitvi, (London, ) entertaining a tolerably sound opinion, that if an individual is to obtain notoriety in any science whatever, it is in the Metropolis, where it will be quickly discerned, and his friends augment in proportion as he advances towards perfection. O'donnel was not deceived in this respect, and upon portraying some pretensions to the gymnastic art, several patrons stepped forward, and placed him under the tuition of an eminent boxer. He improved so fast in the science as to stamp him a pugilist of considerable rank, and also to raise him in the eyes of his countrymen as their future Champion, reminding them of their proud days, when Peter Corcoran flourished in all his greatness. At the age of eighteen, O'donnel was matched against Pardo Wilson, (related to the family of the Belchers, ) for twenty guineas a-side, to fight atWormwood Scrubs, on October 26,1802. Pardo Wilson was a pugilist of some experience, and displayed considerable science throughout the fight; but, after ten rounds of hard fighting, during which O'donnel evinced great superiority of skill and...

Genres: History

Paperback

First published January 1, 1813

About the author

Pierce Egan (1772–1849) was a British journalist, sportswriter, and writer on popular culture.

Not to be confused with his son Pierce Egan the Younger

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not read this cover to cover because after the first 50 pages, I realized it was better to find individual segments.My copy is from the library, an exact repro of the original two volumes. Pierce Egan was one of the first sports writers. It was issued in 1830. It's more a reference book about the top pugilists of 18th century England. I found the individual bios to be very similar which makes 500 pages go slowly. However, in his reporting of individual matches, he sticks to the facts as sportswriting should. His round by round reporting is exceptional. I admit that when I borrowed the book I thought the writing would be part Victorian part Dickens as if I found an 18th century version of Billy Childish. What he does have in common with Childish is his national pride and ebullient spirit. Y'know "Sons If The Empire" stuff. In the early chapters, Egan compares the manly British take on dueling as honorable over other European countries preference for guns and swords. I know there's a few books about Egan. I think I'll read one and revisit this another time.

[Zbigniew Zdziarski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only for boxing enthusiasts. Others will find this a dull and dreary read throughout.

[Gerardo Pleasent · Rating 2 out of 5]

Flowery writing, particularly in early chapters, coupled with copious contemporary boxing slang make this a slow read.