FISTIANA; OR, THE ORACLE OF THE RING: Results of prize battles, from 1700 to 1851, alphabetically arranged; [Twelfth annual edition].
London: William Clement, 1851. First edition thus: the twelfth annual edition of this copious list of boxers with brief chronologies recording the outcomes of their fights. FISTIANA was initially published in 1841, then continued as an annual publication until 1868. (Dowling's son, Francis, continued the series after his father's death in 1852.) In addition to the list of boxers, it includes "New rules of the ring. Form of articles, duties of seconds, bottle-holders, and umpires and referees; Hints on sparring and boxing; Attributes of a pugilist, training, its use and practice; with copious instructions. Health in general, and the causes of debility; with useful practical hints." Also, at the rear, a list of "Taverns and Public Houses frequented by Patrons of the Ring, and Manly Sports in London." [The judgments, observations, pronouncements, and quite dubious remedies in the chapter "On Health in General" alone are quite fascinating.] Bound in 16mo grass (?) cloth boards with leather spine and corners; 150 pages plus Taverns list. Very good with boards gently bowed, light wear to covers, foxing to endpapers, and ownership signature dated 1851 on front flyleaf. From the collection of sportswriter Paul "Dr. Z" Zimmerman with his original 1971 receipt of purchase from a London bookseller laid in as well as a period engraving of Tom Cannon, "The Great Gun of Windsor."
Item #72716
Price: $400.00