The Stakes were High: The Extraordinary Life of John Gully, From Bruiser and Bookie to Fine Old English Gentleman

by Keith Baker

The Stakes were High follows the amazing life of "Glorious" John Gully, the butcher's boy from Bristol who first achieved fame as a bare-knuckle fighter and champion of England. No other boxer in the history of sports has had such an amazingly varied career. He amassed a huge fortune first as a successful bookmaker, gambler, and racehorse owner—and later MP. This is the fascinating story of his life.

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2017

About the author

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Please see: Keith Baker


Keith Baker is the author of a book on the 1908 London Olympics and a biography of the chemist and philosopher, Joseph Priestley. A former senior civil servant and by temperament an historian and sports devotee, Keith was educated at Aberystwyth University and the LSE. He lives in Sheffield, home of Britain's oldest football club, Sheffield FC.

Reviews

[Paul and Branka Moynan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent overview of this extraordinary Englishman

A great swift read, about one of the most influential characters of his day, taking opportunity out of tragedy and difficulty. 24 children! An impressive record.