The Ballad of Les Darcy

by Peter FitzSimons

'Put Les Darcy in a uniform and the men of Australia will march to hell behind him.'

That was the message Australia's great 'Blacksmith Boxer' was getting, as debate about conscription raged in the middle of World War I.
The problem was that Les Darcy didn't want to march at the fore of such a procession, nor to such a destination.
He wanted to continue what he had been doing to extraordinary acclaim before the war began - taking on the best boxers the world could throw at him and lifting his entire family out of poverty as he did so.
Torn between the duty he felt he owed his family, and the duty he felt he owed his country, Les made his choice...and faced the consequences.
And so unfolds a ballad of love, war, betrayal, mystery, patriotism and heroism; a ballad of a champion whose story still has the power to move the stoniest heart.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Australia, History, Audiobook, Biography Memoir

221 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Peter FitzSimons is one of Australia’s most prominent and successful media and publishing identities. His busy professional life involves co-hosting the breakfast program on Sydney's Radio 2UE, writing weekly columns for the Sydney Morning Herald and Sun Herald newspapers, appearing on Foxtel's Back Page television show and, when time permits, authoring best-selling books. A correspondent for London's Daily Telegraph as well, he is also in high demand as a guest speaker and presenter

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about a boxer, who would have thought I would have really loved it. I bought this book from a book dealer after looking for an Australian story - wasn't quite sure this was what I was after but what the hey, not being a boxing fan I really hoped it would offer more than I feared it would -IT DID in spades.

I was halfway through this book when I had the opportunity to meet the author and find out why he uses the style of writing which he does. I was impressed he says he wants you to feel the story not just read it and feel it I did with this book.

Never one to read sport books this one won me over and made the story of Les Darcy dance across the page, I felt for everything he went thru in pre WW1 times and understood his desire to take care of his family before signing up. Never having read or heard of him before (see I told you I know nothing of sport) I was touched by this cheerful man and his amazing be it short life and I nearly cried at the end - over a boxing book no less.

Peter Fitzsimons did a brillant job of bringing Darcy to life and sharing his story no doubt if Darcy could read it he would say job well done Cobber.

[Sean Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides an overview of the life and times of Les Darcy, but as the author himself states in the introduction, it is far from being an in depth account of the boxer's character or career. If you are searching for that, look elsewhere.

But if you want a quick and easy to read biography that covers the pivotal and sometimes controversial moments of Darcy's tragically short life, this is a good starting point.

The book starts slowly but manages to gather momentum once Darcy's pugilistic career takes off. Fitzsimons is not every one's cup of tea but he has done his best to capture the mood and feeling of the era Darcy lived in and how that influenced the young man's actions.

If anything, this book may spark an interest to delve further into Darcy's fascinating story.

[Diane in Australia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars = Don't regret reading it.

"What I most want is for readers to get into the wonder of the Les Darcy story and the extraordinary times in which he lived." Peter FitzSimons

Les Darcy was an Australian boxer, whose career spanned from 1910 to 1917. The author captures the life, and times, of the average Australian during WWI, and the not-so-average, like Les. The book is a great blend of so many things; Les working as a blacksmith, supporting his mother and 9 siblings, training to be a boxer, how the English-Irish conflict played out amongst Australians, and much more. It gave me a look into a part of Australian history that I'd never really explored before.

[Alayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining and typical Peter Fitzsimons book about the life and times of Les Darcy, arguably Australia's greatest boxer. I am not interested in boxing per se, but had heard a little about Les Darcy and was glad to read about him. He sounds like a lovely man, and it was a great pity that he was surrounded by some very unlovely men. Highly enjoyable.

[Helen Ahern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Les Darcy was no ordinary lad who grew up in Australia in the early 1900’s. Determined to provide for his family he discovered that he could earn money as a boxer and his proudest moment came when he went home to his mother with the first prize money he won and presented her with 5 shillings worth of pennies. A great book, a great but very sad story and as always superb narration by Humphrey Bower. 5 stars isn’t enough.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite a sad book in the end as it full of lost opportunity. It is from the WW1 era and things were different then but the book is well written and you got a feel for the personalities involved. Not sure where I sit on the idea of Les running away from Australia but it is hard to put a 2022 lens on a situation from over 100 years ago. Worthwhile reading and I learnt a little history from it.

[Adrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

FitzSimons does it again, a brilliant telling. This is such a tragic tale of a young man with so much potential. It reinforces some of the things I hate about this world. One being governments forcing service through conscription. On the other hand, through this I've learned a new found appreciation for boxing.

It's only a 50,000 word essay compared to the 1,000 page bios he usually writes.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have for many years been fascinated by the story of Les Darcy. When it was time for our annual "boys" book I chose this. This is the only book I have read by Peter Fitzsimons but had heard good things about his style. Imagine my disappointment when all the readers in the book club agreed that the writing was well below average and very cold fish. It is such an exciting tale but delivered in a jumpy style. I suggest reading up on this man but not via this tome.

[Shereen Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tragic story of a young and up and coming man Les Darcy, and Peter Fitzsimons told it well. Not only did the writer keep me engaged in the boxing contests of Darcy and his determination to provide for his family, but also the ramifications of WWI, the huge toll of young men lost to this senseless war. How would have Darcy's family, and other families survived when the breadwinner was sent off to fight in these times was a sad time the war too all countries.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Briefer than some other books by this author, it nevertheless was a interesting read and quite enjoyable.
You have to wonder how successful Darcy would have been on the world stage if the first world war hadn't interfered.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was interesting and you would like it if you are into boxing and australian history. Think it wold make a good movie and was a good choice to be the 2007 books alive book

[Glenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars - an interesting book...

[AnnetteW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellently written and thoroughly researched book from Peter FitzSimons. This time about one of Australia's greatest ever sportsmen. I hail from the same town, in fact the same suburb as Les, and in all honesty while I was growing up I had never even heard of him. For a while there he did slip quietly into the fog of history but quite a few historians made sure he wouldn't be forgotten. The first time I even knew he was from my home town was when Billy Connelly in one of his documentaries visited Les's grave site and I realised it was just down the road from my house! Les Darcy was a wonderful man who put his family before country and because of the times in which he lived, paid a heavy price for it. Caught up in the chaos of WWI and the need for more and more sacrifices of young Australian lives, Les became I think, the very first person to suffer the slings and arrows of the nasty activity sadly much loved by so many Australians, the tall poppy syndrome. It was only with his death that he seemed to have been forgiven and treated in saintlike fashion. History has come out on his side of course, but that would have been cold comfort to his family, to his girlfriend Winnie and the many friends who loved him. In a time when we are so quick to label so many as heroes, there is no doubt in my mind that Les's efforts in the ring and to support his family were genuinely heroic.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had heard the name Les Darcy, but didn't know anything about him. Never liked the sport of boxing and can't bear to watch people beating each other up, nor have I had a desire to read anything on the sport. But when this book came my way I decided to give it a go and learn something about the man whose name is a legend in Australian history.

What a tragic story, and Peter Fitzsimons told it well. Not only did the writer keep me engaged in the boxing contests of Darcy and his determination to provide for his family, but also the ramifications of WWI, the huge toll of young men lost to this war. How would have Darcy's family, and other families survived when the breadwinner was sent off to fight in these times? The Irish rebellion and its impact in Australia was something I was not aware of. Learnt a lot by reading this book.

[Doughlas Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring account of a truly great Australian. Les Darcy’s story goes far beyond his exceptional achievements in boxing—it reflects his humility, integrity, and steadfast devotion to family. Despite his early fame and public attention, Darcy never allowed success to make him arrogant or detached. His strength of character and grounded nature serve as a timeless example for today’s sports stars, many of whom could learn from his humility and respect for family values.

Although his life ended tragically, Darcy’s story also highlights how greed and political interference—issues that still resonate today—sought to undermine his legacy. Peter FitzSimons once again captures the spirit and essence of the era with masterful research and storytelling, transporting readers back in time to truly experience the moment. A powerful and beautifully written tribute to an Australian icon.

[Sharon Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was issued by my local Book Club. While having no interest in boxing (or sport at all, for that matter), this was quite an interesting read. I had never even heard of Les Darcy (not that I recall, anyway) before being issued this book. A great eye-opener to the life and political times of that era. Written in such a way that you couldn't help but fall in love with Les Darcy and his persistent spirit and love of family, life and country (in that order).
I quite enjoyed the way it was written as a story. Clearly factual but not an off-putting commentary.
Will look at reading other biographies written by the same author.

[Teresa Bolster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until a few decades ago, there were 3 Australian sporting figures who towered over all others. Don Bradman (cricketer, for international readers), Phar Lap (racehorse) and Les Darcy, world champion boxer. Now, Darcy is forgotten. "Why" is a difficult question. .Reading this compelling and very moving biography is not difficult (and I don't even like sport!)

[Geoff M · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slow paced story for the first two-thirds of the book. Picks up the pace in the final third. If you don’t know much about Les Darcy this is a good starting point. I love the epilogue which tells us what happened to the many different people involved in Darcy’s life. Shame the book could not have been faster paced in the opening two-thirds. It would have been a much better book if it had been.

[Greg Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't finish it : couldn't stand the vernacular adopted by the author; very disappointing - a great story worth telling about a great Australian character but Peter Fitzsimons thinks we all want to read in the same vernacular as some if us speak; it's a bit of an insult

[Layna Fong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This was a highly engaging and phenomenal read.

Les Darcy is a legend that shall not be forgotten. His love for friends and family, his bravery to stand in his beliefs, and the sportsmanship he displayed is remarkable.

[Glenn Shu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the way author relates to whats happening historicaly in that era

[Shakti Burke]

Fabulous engaging read. Sad. Aussie. Boxing. Love. Ambition. War. Social expectation. Too much fame, and its downside.

[Annie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

So enjoyable. So easy to read. An amazing person was Les Darcy. Enjoyed by first book from Peter Fitzsimons - Thankyou.

[Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating story and a great insight into the world outside of WW1 at that time. Brilliantly told by Peter as always. A highly recommended work and it certainly made me think.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting subject. Terrible writing

[Leila Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew the name, I knew he was a boxer but I knew basically nothing else until now.
I did not expect to enjoy this book but instead I found it difficult to put down.

[Kathy GWRH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific story about a little known Australian

[Sophie Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read in a long time. Went through all of Les darcy’s history

[Cher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing great but the story of this young man was

[Don Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of author's usual over-the-top embellishments but still a rollicking read