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

This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1830 edition by George Virtue, London.

Genres: History

606 pages, 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]

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]

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

[Gerardo Pleasent]

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