Corbett, James J. – The Roar of the Crowd

Description

Corbett, James J. ‘The Roar of the Crowd. The True Tale of the Rise and Fall of a Champion’ 1925 1st edition, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York & London. The Knickerbocker Press. 329-pages. Inner front hinge loosened but intact. Straight, tight binding, clean, good overall condition. Includes a new Facsimile of the original 1925 dust jacket.

The 1925 first edition hardcover of The Roar of the Crowd: The True Tale of the Rise and Fall of a Champion by James J. Corbett is a 329-page pioneering boxing memoir published in New York by G.P. Putnam’s Sons. Following its initial serialization in The Saturday Evening Post, this true first edition stands as one of the most culturally significant firsthand accounts of early American prize fighting.

Book Details:
• Author: James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett (World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, 1892–1897)
• Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York & London
• Publication Year: 1925 (First Edition)
• Format: Hardcover octavo (8vo), typically bound in green cloth with gilt titles (or cherry red cloth variants), issued with a protective red dust jacket
• Length: xiv + 329 pages, plus publisher advertisement pages at the back

Content & Overview:
• A Sporting Revolution: Written in Corbett’s trademark affable, colloquial first-person style, the text details how he fundamentally transformed pugilism from a brutal, illegal spectacle into a highly regulated, mainstream sport. He outlines his philosophy of “scientific boxing,” introducing the concept of using intricate footwork, defensive head movement, and calculated strategy rather than raw brawling.
• The New Orleans Triumph: The historical backbone of the autobiography is Corbett’s vivid round-by-round breakdown of his legendary September 7, 1892, championship match. He records the psychological and physical strategy he deployed to out-think, out-box, and ultimately knock out the formidable bare-knuckle champion, John L. Sullivan.
• The Dawn of Gloves: As the first heavyweight champion of the Marquis of Queensberry era, Corbett offers rare insight into navigating the early days of padded gloves and strict round limitations while boxing was still technically outlawed in many jurisdictions.
• The Theater Years: Beyond the boxing ring, the text chronicles Corbett’s transition into high society, detailing his parallel career as a popular Broadway theater headliner, public figure, and actor.
• Illustrations: The true first edition is illustrated with a portrait frontispiece of Corbett and contains up to 15 full-page black-and-white photographic plates showcasing historic fights, training camps, and key contemporary ring personalities.