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Black Ajax
In the spirit of Flashman and in the inimitable George MacDonald Fraser style comes a rousing story of prize fighting in the 19th century. Reissued in a stunning new package, Black Ajax will attract a new generation of fans. When Captain Buck Flashman sees the black boxer catch a fly in mid-flight he realizes that he is in the presence of speed such as the prize ring has never seen. Tom Molineaux may be crude and untutored, but if 'Mad Buck' knows anything (and like his notorious son, the archcad Harry Flashman, he has an unerring eye for the main chance), this ex-slave from America is a Champion in the making, on whose broad shoulders the ambitious Captain can climb to sporting and social fame. Under his patronage, the 'Black Ajax' is carried on a popular tide of sporting fever to his great dream: to fight the invincible, undefeated Champion of England, the great Tom Cribb. The story of Molineaux and his eventual battles with Cribb is told through a series of superbly original and individual voices - colourful, powerful and funny. Together they create a magnificent picture of Regency England and a portrait of a flawed hero who surmounted the barriers of ignorance, poverty and race hatred to bring the prize ring a lustre it had never known before, and may never again.
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First published January 1, 1997
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About the author
George MacDonald Fraser
115 books687 followersGeorge MacDonald Fraser is best known for his Flashman series of historical novels, purportedly written by Harry Flashman, a fictional coward and bully originally created by Thomas Hughes in Tom Brown's School Days. The novels are presented as "packets" of memoirs written by the nonagenarian Flashman, who looks back on his days as a hero of the British Army during the 19th century. The series begins with Flashman, and is notable for the accuracy of the historical settings and praise from critics. P.G. Wodehouse said of Flashman, “If ever there was a time when I felt that ‘watcher-of-the-skies-when-a-new-planet’ stuff, it was when I read the first Flashman.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 21, 2014
GMF continues to impress me with his knowledge of history with this book. It is about a former slave, Tom Molineaux, in the U.S. that won his freedom and eventually challenged the boxing champion of England to a couple of matches. It is told from the view point of many of the witnesses to his rise to fame. This is a little off putting, as some of their accents are too hard to follow. It also feels weird because they are talking to the author, but you don't see what the author says to them.
The story itself is what makes the book worthy to read. It is amazing the things that a black slave from America was able to accomplish, becoming as famous as Napoleon, and the "audacity" he had to go and do those things. Of course it is all based off of a true story. The ending is sad, but there is a good time getting to it.
You also learn a lot about boxing from it's early days in England. It is quite different then what it is today. I wonder how boxers of today would fare in those days, where it was bare knuckle, and you had 30 seconds to answer the umpires call after a round ended. More then being tough, you had to be courages to even step into the ring.
The style wasn't to my liking, but the story is great. Well worth a read.
The story itself is what makes the book worthy to read. It is amazing the things that a black slave from America was able to accomplish, becoming as famous as Napoleon, and the "audacity" he had to go and do those things. Of course it is all based off of a true story. The ending is sad, but there is a good time getting to it.
You also learn a lot about boxing from it's early days in England. It is quite different then what it is today. I wonder how boxers of today would fare in those days, where it was bare knuckle, and you had 30 seconds to answer the umpires call after a round ended. More then being tough, you had to be courages to even step into the ring.
The style wasn't to my liking, but the story is great. Well worth a read.
September 28, 2012
From the author of Harry Flashman (as well as the brilliant volume about Hollywood and history) comes the tale of a former U.S. slave turned English prize fighter. Black Ajax begins toward the end of the Napoleonic Wars and, unlike the Flashman series which uses a series of purported memoirs as a conceit, uses interviews with nearly everyone around the protagonist to tell his story. A fictionalized story based on early 19th century bare-fisted boxer, Tom Molineaux, Black Ajax is reminiscent of the play and film, “The Great White Hope,” even though the latter is based on Jack Johnson—black champion in the latter part of the same century. To be sure, the story is more tragic than the comic adventures of Harry Flashman as the interviews take the reader back to the time of bare-handed fisticuffs where the sport of boxing is illegal in most townships and matches are scheduled near the boundaries of various jurisdictions in case the fight garners unwanted attention from the authorities. Then, the crowd can just change the venue with minimal fuss and muss by crossing the “county” or “municipal” line. It is a time where a match has no scheduled number of rounds and antagonists will fight until one man can no longer answer the charge. The winner takes the full purse and the loser is fortunate to get a few guineas in a hat. The “sport” is brutal in more ways than one.
Fans of Harry Flashman will enjoy the significant role played by Flashman’s father as the original backer fo the fighter, even though Harry doesn’t make even a cameo appearance. In some sense, the eventual parting of backer and potential champion has a “Flashman-esque” flavor, but, as noted earlier, Black Ajax is not to be confused with the comic excesses of the author’s more famous novels. In contrast to the aforementioned “Great White Hope,” Molineaux brings many problems on himself. Both men were African-Americans involved with “white” women, though Johnson married the three ladies and was almost lynched as a result while Molineaux had several “white” paramours. In both cases, one finds oneself disgusted at the way the fickle crowd wanted proficiency from these boxers, but resented the idea of champions who were not “white.”
Black Ajax is a narrative that seems more like a pseudo-documentary film script. The conceit is that an investigative reporter is interviewing all of the surviving characters after the great boxer’s death. The interrogator seems to want to get the story straight and the eyewitnesses retell the events from their unique perspectives—dialects, racist sentiments, class prejudice, and all. Readers who believe it was appropriate to ban Huckleberry Finn from libraries because of politically incorrect sentiments and epithets will definitely want to avoid Black Ajax. For those who recognize that even offensive attitudes and terms can be insightful with regard to our past, Black Ajax is a fascinating look into a past that I’m glad is past.
Fans of Harry Flashman will enjoy the significant role played by Flashman’s father as the original backer fo the fighter, even though Harry doesn’t make even a cameo appearance. In some sense, the eventual parting of backer and potential champion has a “Flashman-esque” flavor, but, as noted earlier, Black Ajax is not to be confused with the comic excesses of the author’s more famous novels. In contrast to the aforementioned “Great White Hope,” Molineaux brings many problems on himself. Both men were African-Americans involved with “white” women, though Johnson married the three ladies and was almost lynched as a result while Molineaux had several “white” paramours. In both cases, one finds oneself disgusted at the way the fickle crowd wanted proficiency from these boxers, but resented the idea of champions who were not “white.”
Black Ajax is a narrative that seems more like a pseudo-documentary film script. The conceit is that an investigative reporter is interviewing all of the surviving characters after the great boxer’s death. The interrogator seems to want to get the story straight and the eyewitnesses retell the events from their unique perspectives—dialects, racist sentiments, class prejudice, and all. Readers who believe it was appropriate to ban Huckleberry Finn from libraries because of politically incorrect sentiments and epithets will definitely want to avoid Black Ajax. For those who recognize that even offensive attitudes and terms can be insightful with regard to our past, Black Ajax is a fascinating look into a past that I’m glad is past.
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July 1, 2023Let's get the obvious bit out of the way first... Just like it says on the back cover, just like every other review of this book that's likely been written by anyone with a passing knowledge of George MacDonald Fraser's work, this book is NOT a Flashman book. Yes, he's mentioned in it and, yes, his dad is in a fair bit of the book but it's pretty far from Flashman in style and in tone. Black Ajax tells the fictional biography of one Tom Molineaux, a real life African-American bare-knuckle boxer and former slave, in the trademark style of MacDonald Fraser with zero censorship, more than a few coincidental happenings and a lot of craft and heart with it. It uses the Flashman technique of twisting fiction around facts for an entertaining but somewhat subdued tale. It's written like a modern film documentary, talking heads giving their own recollections and sides of the story and clippings of, for lack of a better term, olden-timey sports journalism. The title character never gets to tell his side of things which somehow makes him seem both realer and unreal at the same time. It works well and manages to stay grounded. It never gets fanciful as the Flashman books can get. Here, in this tale, things are subtle and very natural.
I can't see many picking it up by accident, you're going to be attracted by the Flashman connection, but if you don't expect too much from that aspect you'll find a well written and, as always, meticulously researched piece of historical fiction. There's little here to disappoint. Some might find the language a bit hard to stomach both in its antiquity and also in his racial tone. Thankfully there's a big glossary in the back if the terminologies start to confound.
I can't see many picking it up by accident, you're going to be attracted by the Flashman connection, but if you don't expect too much from that aspect you'll find a well written and, as always, meticulously researched piece of historical fiction. There's little here to disappoint. Some might find the language a bit hard to stomach both in its antiquity and also in his racial tone. Thankfully there's a big glossary in the back if the terminologies start to confound.
March 21, 2016
Very George Macdonald Fraser, very typical of his philosophy that the standards of today should not be used retrospectively to judge the actions and attitudes of historical periods. His incredible use of the non PC language of the time is brave and accurately conveys the atmosphere of that era. There are obvious parallels between athletes like Muhammad Ali's childhood, exploitation by managers, political and religious groups, rise and fall, excellent to deteriorating physical condition, hubris, lack of self control and lots and lots of other similarities. The facts that Tom Molineaux was black and an ex slave and an American place him apart from the exploited white pugilists but otherwise they found the same route from poverty to comparative riches and prestige, at the price of their physical and sometimes mental health. Many clever and often unscrupulous men grew rich on their efforts, unfortunately many bad things don't change.
Some loose ends are left a little untied, e.g. Buck Flashman's motivations but that seems acceptable given the narrative style.
Loved it.......
Some loose ends are left a little untied, e.g. Buck Flashman's motivations but that seems acceptable given the narrative style.
Loved it.......
October 7, 2009
As with all G M Fraser's books, this is very well written, full of interesting characters, humor, and a vivid portrait of the times. It even ties back to the Flashman series as one of the main characters is Flashman's father. The style is interesting and a bit different from his other books in that it consists of a series of interviews with the people surrounding the main character, Tom Molineaux, an American slave, freed by his own hand, who comes to London to box the premier boxer of the day. Highly recommended.
July 16, 2010
Humour / Tragedy / Historical - a typical work of art from MacDonald Fraser intertwining all sorts of things that oughtn't to sit comfortable together. I'd review this properly, but one thing you ought to know is that the Tom Cribb pub is still there, just off Haymarket in London. Unfortunately, the posters don't make up for it being another bland theatre pub - I'd better stop there, given this isn;t meant to be a pub review.
October 13, 2010
This has quickly become one of my favourite GMF books. Its pretty sad but of cause funny at times. There's a lot of history to be learnt and a bloody good read.
Fits in very well with the Flashman pattern, gives more information about the Flashman lineage and the character of his father Captain Buckley Flashman.
Fits in very well with the Flashman pattern, gives more information about the Flashman lineage and the character of his father Captain Buckley Flashman.
May 19, 2012
Sad, honest, engaging, and brilliantly researched and written. Even if you are not a boxing fan (I most certainly am not) this exploration of a freed slave's rise to fame and ultimate self destruction, and the stories of those who accompanied him on his way, is utterly worth the read.
I must have more MacDonald Fraser
I must have more MacDonald Fraser
May 16, 2021
"Aye, it was a different age, gone now – and good riddance, you may think. But if it was wild and reckless, it was alive, with spirits that England couldn't accommodate today." (pg. 50)
George MacDonald Fraser is unquestionably my favourite writer. Not only do the books he wrote cover all the things I look for in a great read – adventure, humour, pathos, well-drawn characters, meticulous research and wonderful prose – but they do so with panache and, more importantly, without fail. It was one thing providing all these qualities in the twelve Flashman books, as there Fraser had created one of the finest comedic characters in fiction and – no disrespect to his craftsmanship – one imagines he couldn't help but strike gold. But since finishing the Flashman Papers, I've also found these qualities to be evident in his other works, particularly Quartered Safe Out Here and the McAuslan stories. And now Black Ajax.
I sound like a broken record when reviewing any of Fraser's books, for this novel provides compelling characters who feel real, fine historical research that really places you in pre-Regency England and rolling prose that makes the dialects – often a difficult trick to pull off – sound as natural as breathing. There's humour too, with Harry Flashman's father crashing the party and tearing it up with bold, damn-your-eyes prosing that made me remember just how much I loved the narrative voice in those Flashman books. There is even a deviation into reminiscing about the Peninsular War – true Flashman-esque territory – and a bedroom dalliance that proves the worth of the old adage 'like father, like son'.
But these are all by the way: what matters here is the story, and what a story it is. It is a fictionalized (though meticulously researched, as ever) version of the story of Tom Molineaux, a black American slave who wins his freedom in a vicious fight-ring – think 'mandingo' fighting – and travels to England to challenge the legendary bareknuckle boxing champion of England, Tom Cribb. What follows is an intoxicating brew of pride and punishment, of racial politics and sporting excellence and sheer brutality. This is a classic tragedy, detailing the rise and fall of Molineaux. A natural fighter and a colourful character, he is corrupted by drink and women and alienates all those close to him. It is fascinating to experience, even if parts of it are horrifying.
The boxing, for example, is incredibly brutal. This was before the Queensberry rules, a time when two men entered the ring for an indefinite amount of rounds and hammered away at each other – without gloves – and with only thirty seconds respite between rounds. The match ended when one boxer admitted defeat. If neither did, the match continued until one was knocked out. Matches could last for over an hour; in one of Molineaux's fights, single rounds lasted about half an hour. With thirty seconds until the next round. It is phenomenally brutal.
But for all this violence, the racial intolerance and the aching tragedy of Tom's self-destructive ruin ("there were two fighters he never could beat. One was Tom Cribb, and t'other was Tom Molineaux," one character remarks on page 228), Fraser and Black Ajax are never pitiless. There's genuine heroism and resolve and dignity from some of the characters here. Even if you're not a boxing fan – I take only a passing interest – you'll be enthralled and inspired by Tom's story: a man who fought his way to the top and who had the main hand in his own downfall. A slave who won his freedom and was the talk and toast of England in the run-up to his match with Cribb. As one character says on page 12, "No, sir, I can't say his was a sad story, however it ended, not with that day in it." Another incredible story. Fraser is immaculate.
George MacDonald Fraser is unquestionably my favourite writer. Not only do the books he wrote cover all the things I look for in a great read – adventure, humour, pathos, well-drawn characters, meticulous research and wonderful prose – but they do so with panache and, more importantly, without fail. It was one thing providing all these qualities in the twelve Flashman books, as there Fraser had created one of the finest comedic characters in fiction and – no disrespect to his craftsmanship – one imagines he couldn't help but strike gold. But since finishing the Flashman Papers, I've also found these qualities to be evident in his other works, particularly Quartered Safe Out Here and the McAuslan stories. And now Black Ajax.
I sound like a broken record when reviewing any of Fraser's books, for this novel provides compelling characters who feel real, fine historical research that really places you in pre-Regency England and rolling prose that makes the dialects – often a difficult trick to pull off – sound as natural as breathing. There's humour too, with Harry Flashman's father crashing the party and tearing it up with bold, damn-your-eyes prosing that made me remember just how much I loved the narrative voice in those Flashman books. There is even a deviation into reminiscing about the Peninsular War – true Flashman-esque territory – and a bedroom dalliance that proves the worth of the old adage 'like father, like son'.
But these are all by the way: what matters here is the story, and what a story it is. It is a fictionalized (though meticulously researched, as ever) version of the story of Tom Molineaux, a black American slave who wins his freedom in a vicious fight-ring – think 'mandingo' fighting – and travels to England to challenge the legendary bareknuckle boxing champion of England, Tom Cribb. What follows is an intoxicating brew of pride and punishment, of racial politics and sporting excellence and sheer brutality. This is a classic tragedy, detailing the rise and fall of Molineaux. A natural fighter and a colourful character, he is corrupted by drink and women and alienates all those close to him. It is fascinating to experience, even if parts of it are horrifying.
The boxing, for example, is incredibly brutal. This was before the Queensberry rules, a time when two men entered the ring for an indefinite amount of rounds and hammered away at each other – without gloves – and with only thirty seconds respite between rounds. The match ended when one boxer admitted defeat. If neither did, the match continued until one was knocked out. Matches could last for over an hour; in one of Molineaux's fights, single rounds lasted about half an hour. With thirty seconds until the next round. It is phenomenally brutal.
But for all this violence, the racial intolerance and the aching tragedy of Tom's self-destructive ruin ("there were two fighters he never could beat. One was Tom Cribb, and t'other was Tom Molineaux," one character remarks on page 228), Fraser and Black Ajax are never pitiless. There's genuine heroism and resolve and dignity from some of the characters here. Even if you're not a boxing fan – I take only a passing interest – you'll be enthralled and inspired by Tom's story: a man who fought his way to the top and who had the main hand in his own downfall. A slave who won his freedom and was the talk and toast of England in the run-up to his match with Cribb. As one character says on page 12, "No, sir, I can't say his was a sad story, however it ended, not with that day in it." Another incredible story. Fraser is immaculate.
August 15, 2022
Tom Molineaux was a mysterious figure. He appeared almost out of nowhere, immediately became one of England's greatest boxers, was cheated out of the Championship, and quickly faded. He fought two of the finest matches ever seen, and one of the worst. Less than a decade after his first English fight he died in obscurity and poverty.
George MacDonald Fraser wrote quite a lot about the evils of racism in his fiction, but in his non-fiction he revealed racist tendencies of his own. He probably wouldn't be anyone's first choice to write a novel about an uneducated Black boxer, but Black Ajax does something very clever - the entire thing is written as a retrospective, taking the form of an unseen interviewer speaking with the people who knew Molineaux, many years after the fact.
This avoids the potential pitfalls of Fraser's racism, enhances Molineaux's mysterious reputation, and gives Fraser an excuse to indulge in one of his great skills - vivid, deeply-evocative descriptions of a long-gone era. Black Ajax isn't just about Tom Molineaux, it's about the golden age of boxing and about the Regency. This is what Fraser did best, and his full powers are on display here.
Molineaux himself emerges as a tragic, noble figure. Proud, brave, ambitious, and skilled, he was undone (according to Fraser, partially supported by the historical record) by his love of women & drink, and his lack of discipline. You probably won't like Tom, but you will respect him.
George MacDonald Fraser wrote quite a lot about the evils of racism in his fiction, but in his non-fiction he revealed racist tendencies of his own. He probably wouldn't be anyone's first choice to write a novel about an uneducated Black boxer, but Black Ajax does something very clever - the entire thing is written as a retrospective, taking the form of an unseen interviewer speaking with the people who knew Molineaux, many years after the fact.
This avoids the potential pitfalls of Fraser's racism, enhances Molineaux's mysterious reputation, and gives Fraser an excuse to indulge in one of his great skills - vivid, deeply-evocative descriptions of a long-gone era. Black Ajax isn't just about Tom Molineaux, it's about the golden age of boxing and about the Regency. This is what Fraser did best, and his full powers are on display here.
Molineaux himself emerges as a tragic, noble figure. Proud, brave, ambitious, and skilled, he was undone (according to Fraser, partially supported by the historical record) by his love of women & drink, and his lack of discipline. You probably won't like Tom, but you will respect him.
February 19, 2025
If you think that politically incorrect language has little to no place in modern literature, especially those written by white men, this book is a non-starter. Liberal use of the n-word is only the first in a long call sheet of things that would offend modern readers…
… but that’s the point. The author has meticulously researched their subject matter and tells a story as accurately as he can. Whether you approve must be a matter of taste and opinion. It should not take away from the books many, many merits.
This is a far more serious and literary work than the Flashman novels but there are references and flashes of what makes those books so much fun. Here though, the authors skill is turned to creating a series of distinct voices which make this pretty simple ‘rise and fall’ sport story into a fascinating slice of social and sporting history.
Overall though, I think this book is an enjoyable, challenging read that talks about a complex and overlooked subject. It does that without strenuously pushing any particular worldview. It is an unflinching, mostly unsentimental look at a moment in time when a black man took on an entire English institution. I would recommend it as a read to those who want to know more about life in Regency England away from the battles and balls.
… but that’s the point. The author has meticulously researched their subject matter and tells a story as accurately as he can. Whether you approve must be a matter of taste and opinion. It should not take away from the books many, many merits.
This is a far more serious and literary work than the Flashman novels but there are references and flashes of what makes those books so much fun. Here though, the authors skill is turned to creating a series of distinct voices which make this pretty simple ‘rise and fall’ sport story into a fascinating slice of social and sporting history.
Overall though, I think this book is an enjoyable, challenging read that talks about a complex and overlooked subject. It does that without strenuously pushing any particular worldview. It is an unflinching, mostly unsentimental look at a moment in time when a black man took on an entire English institution. I would recommend it as a read to those who want to know more about life in Regency England away from the battles and balls.
May 13, 2021
My second read of this book. It took a bit longer to read due to work and circumstances than it deserved.
G M-F uses an unusual style to tell this tale, using multiple witnesses to the rise and fall of Tom Molineaux, freed black American slave. Like another black American boxer, Tom's ready mouth and boasting did not endear him to the British public in the way he felt was his due.
Molineaux's natural talent as a boxer was cultivated and developed once he arrived in England, where bare knuckle fighting was all the rage, albeit actually illegal. However, women and drink were his downfall and he died young in sad circumstances.
The witnesses speak in their own voices, and often with heavy accents, and use the cant of their class and their time. Also reflective of their time is their attitude towards the black American.
The book is worth the read not just for the high quality of the writing and the entertaining story, but to grasp the time and feel of Regency England.
G M-F uses an unusual style to tell this tale, using multiple witnesses to the rise and fall of Tom Molineaux, freed black American slave. Like another black American boxer, Tom's ready mouth and boasting did not endear him to the British public in the way he felt was his due.
Molineaux's natural talent as a boxer was cultivated and developed once he arrived in England, where bare knuckle fighting was all the rage, albeit actually illegal. However, women and drink were his downfall and he died young in sad circumstances.
The witnesses speak in their own voices, and often with heavy accents, and use the cant of their class and their time. Also reflective of their time is their attitude towards the black American.
The book is worth the read not just for the high quality of the writing and the entertaining story, but to grasp the time and feel of Regency England.
May 11, 2025
George MacDonald Fraser's book on the history of the first Black Heavy weight championship contender contains fascinating moments from history, he sets his scenes around real events and his interpretation of characters are built from the reporting of the day, both compiled and fictional reporting of eyewitness accounts.
This is a brutal story, both of the sport and of the times where attitudes towards people of colour were that of an arrogant superiority of race, class and education, even those of more moderate views are incredibly prejudiced. Thought provoking and sad.
This is a brutal story, both of the sport and of the times where attitudes towards people of colour were that of an arrogant superiority of race, class and education, even those of more moderate views are incredibly prejudiced. Thought provoking and sad.
October 17, 2021
GMF's best work in my opinion. Tom Molineaux's prize fighting career is conveyed through multiple perspectives. Obviously, you can't sugar coat the attitudes of the time and some readers may find the racist language nauseating. Fraser doesn't shy away from the complexities of Tom's life and this makes for a more honest and satisfying account. A triumph!
November 16, 2022
Historical fiction. A black slave in Virginia is taken to Louisiana for a prize fight. Near defeat, at the end of the bout, he is promised freedom if he wins. He defeats his opponent, wins his freedom, and travels to England to hone his craft. The story is told as a series of reminiscences told to a reporter by those who knew Molineaux, the fighter. A good although tragic story.
April 30, 2020
Worth reading but very long and had to force myself at times to pick it up again. Boxing isn't my thing, but honestly this book is not so much about boxing as it is about the man and men's lives. I'm glad I read it, but not sure I'd recommend it.
October 17, 2023
Characteristically brilliant from GMF yet again. Great cameo from Flashman Snr to boot and a fine fictional biography of a near-mythical pug/miller. The bouts themselves must have been something to behold.
October 28, 2017
Often a tad difficult for me to read, having to read a few sentences more than once to follow, still I gave it three stars because it held my attention to the end.
December 10, 2018
Interesting
As usual with this author well written and seemingly well researched but it is a bit of a limited interest subject
As usual with this author well written and seemingly well researched but it is a bit of a limited interest subject
May 18, 2019
Great account of one of the great boxers. And a story of how a black man usurped the most prestigious sports title of them all - Heavyweight Champion Boxer.
May 9, 2020
Fascinating and very well researched as you'd expect of any MacDonald Fraser book
November 10, 2020
I'm a big fan of the Flashman books. This book is outside of that series. Perhaps not as funny but it is no less readable or as full of historic information, for that.
December 22, 2022
Frankly, guvnor, summat' of an ordeal.
March 31, 2024
A fantastic piece of historical fact and fiction; a really gripping read!
April 20, 2025
Huge fan of the Flashman novels, but this fictionalised biography (I haven't checked to see if it is true!) of the first black heavyweight bare knuckle boxer did not speak to me.
February 18, 2014
GMF never disappoints.
Black Ajax, the story of a slave-turned-bare-knuckle-boxer in regency period London is an impressively stylish observation of period attitudes to race, class and station.
Written epistolery style, from the points of view of Molineaux’s friends and acquaintances, GMF perfectly captures the characters of his “witnesses” in each chapter; historical details make the settings come alive; and the accented dialogue, which can often seem trite, here causes the characters to leap into life.
The account focuses initially on the boxer’s meteoric rise to fame, and culminates with his show-down with the current champion of England, Tom Cribb. Molineaux’s initial bafflement at the interest shown in him, his acceptance of his fame and his inability to control his wild behaviour are masterfully chronicled as he is brought to Britain and eventually unwittingly engineers his own downfall.
GMF’s story-telling is, as ever, perfect; the historical detail is intensely atmospheric and the characters, both fictional and historical, so perfectly realised you can hear the sound of their feet as they walk around St James.
Black Ajax, the story of a slave-turned-bare-knuckle-boxer in regency period London is an impressively stylish observation of period attitudes to race, class and station.
Written epistolery style, from the points of view of Molineaux’s friends and acquaintances, GMF perfectly captures the characters of his “witnesses” in each chapter; historical details make the settings come alive; and the accented dialogue, which can often seem trite, here causes the characters to leap into life.
The account focuses initially on the boxer’s meteoric rise to fame, and culminates with his show-down with the current champion of England, Tom Cribb. Molineaux’s initial bafflement at the interest shown in him, his acceptance of his fame and his inability to control his wild behaviour are masterfully chronicled as he is brought to Britain and eventually unwittingly engineers his own downfall.
GMF’s story-telling is, as ever, perfect; the historical detail is intensely atmospheric and the characters, both fictional and historical, so perfectly realised you can hear the sound of their feet as they walk around St James.
September 1, 2022
A disappointing literary experiment by a great writer.
January 3, 2012
The true-from-life tale of a freed slave turned boxer in early 19th century England. Who could have been a contender, but failed (Fraser gives this failure ultimately to a tragic inabilit to focus on the job at hand and a taste for wine and women).
A tragic tale, narrated through a variety of 'witnesses', each with their own voice, their own way of looking at things and their own purposes.
A very well done little book, this. The atmosphere is well conjured, the central character a deeply flawed, as I say tragic, figure and the language used highly effective (if a bit dense with the accents from time to time).
This would make an excellent audiobook, if they employed a number of voice actors, by the way.
Rated M for frequent strong violence (it is boxing, afterall), moderate coarse language and some scenes of a sexual nature.
A tragic tale, narrated through a variety of 'witnesses', each with their own voice, their own way of looking at things and their own purposes.
A very well done little book, this. The atmosphere is well conjured, the central character a deeply flawed, as I say tragic, figure and the language used highly effective (if a bit dense with the accents from time to time).
This would make an excellent audiobook, if they employed a number of voice actors, by the way.
Rated M for frequent strong violence (it is boxing, afterall), moderate coarse language and some scenes of a sexual nature.
March 27, 2008
George MacDonald Fraser's caddish hero, Flashman, has done it again. He is intertwined in the world of boxing in Regency England and he is at his cowardly, toadying, racist, best. The story centers around Tom Molineaux, a champion fighter in England. Fraser fictionalizes a wonderful story around the real characters of the day. Tom Cribb, for example, who the real Molineaux fought twice, never fought another round after that fight. The characters are believable and true. One of the more engaging features of the book is Fraser's inclusion of a glossary of boxing terms and Regency slang.
June 16, 2010
While I am sure it was extremely well-researched I found the author's mangling of words to reflect the dialect of the speaker extremely distracting. What's more, by the last forty pages I did not have enough invested in the outcome to care about what happened to the main character. It was not a bad book by any stretch, but it really did not do anything for me, and I doubt it will stay with me very long.
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