Allanson Winn, R. – Boxing

Description

Allanson Winn, R. ‘Boxing. The Ishmian Library No. 5’ Illustrated. Edited by B. Fletcher Robinson. A.D. INNES & CO., London 1897. 384-pages. Very clean, good condition.

The 1897 hardcover edition of Boxing, published by A. D. Innes & Co., London, is a seminal piece of late-Victorian sports literature. Released as Volume 5 of The Isthmian Library—a prestigious series of sporting books edited by B. Fletcher Robinson—this work serves as an authoritative snapshot of the transition from bare-knuckle prize fighting into modern, regulated scientific boxing.

Publication Details:
• Title: Boxing (The Isthmian Library, No. 5)
• Author: R. G. Allanson-Winn (Rowland George Allanson Allanson-Winn, a heavyweight and middleweight champion boxer at Cambridge University, civil engineer, and later the 5th Baron Headley)
• Editor of the Series: Bertram Fletcher Robinson
• Publisher: A. D. Innes & Co., London
• Year: 1897
• Page Count: 428 pages

Content and Key Focus Areas:
Allanson-Winn approaches the subject from a highly technical, practical point of view, drawing heavily on his elite collegiate experience. The book contains:
• The Transition of the Sport: An exploration of the rules and structures shaping modern boxing following the widespread adoption of the Marquess of Queensberry rules.
• Technique and Strategies: Meticulous breakdowns of Victorian-era guards, stances, footwork, and precise mechanics for a variety of punches. It emphasizes the “science” of self-defense over brute strength.
• Historical Retrospective: A historical review of famed bare-knuckle fighters and champions from the Regency era up to the late 19th century, including profiles of legends like Tom Sayers, Ben Caunt, Jem Mace, James J. Corbett, and Bob Fitzsimmons.
• Victorian Conditioning: Advice on diet, intense physical preparation, roadwork, and equipment typical of the late 1890s athlete.

Physical Characteristics & Collectability:
As part of The Isthmian Library, the original 1897 hardcover features highly distinct design choices typical of luxury late-Victorian publisher bindings.
• Binding: It is bound in a striking cloth, typically a rich green or teal, featuring elaborate decorative gilt (gold) and black stamped motifs on both the front cover and the spine. The cover usually displays the series logo or thematic sporting iconography.
• Illustrations: The volume is heavily enhanced by numerous high-quality photographic plates, engravings, and diagrams. These visual aids showcase boxers in period-accurate attire (high-waisted wool tights or shorts) demonstrating proper guards, punch trajectories, and defensive maneuvers.
• Scarcity: Original A. D. Innes printings of this series are rare and highly sought after by collectors of antiquarian sports books and martial arts historians. Most modern versions found online are facsimile printings or digital scans of library copies