Brady, William A. – The Fighting Man. 1916 1st ed. 227-pages. Story of the author

Description

Brady, William A. ‘The Fighting Man. 1916 1st ed. 227-pages. Indianapolis. The Bobbs-Merrill Company Publishers. Red hardcovers with gold-colored titles on the front cover and spine. Story of the author’s varied life as a sports reporter, actor, theatrical and boxing manager of world heavyweight champions James J. Corbett and James J. Jeffries during their fighting careers. The illustrations in the book include Jim Corbett and Gus Ruhlin, Jake Kilrain, Charley Mitchell, Jess Willard, Jem Mace, Frank Moran and many others. One in very good condition $75, the other in good condition $50.

The Fighting Man is a rare, historically significant early professional memoir by the legendary American boxing promoter and theatrical producer William A. Brady.

Bibliographic Details:
• Title: The Fighting Man
• Author: William A. Brady
• Publisher: The Bobbs-Merrill Company (Indianapolis)
• Publication Date: 1916 (First Edition)
• Pagination: 227 pages
• Format: Octavo (8vo), hardcover

Overview & Content:
Rather than a work of war fiction, this book is an authentic, first-hand look behind the curtain of early prize fighting and the American stage. William A. Brady (1863–1950) was a powerhouse in American entertainment, famously managing two of the most iconic World Heavyweight Champions in boxing history: James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett and James J. Jeffries.
The narrative provides granular, behind-the-scenes accounts of:
• The Corbett Era: Crucial perspectives on managing Jim Corbett, including his legendary 1892 championship bout against John L. Sullivan.
• The Jeffries Era: The rise and promotional backing of Heavyweight Champion Jim Jeffries.
• Theatrical Crossover: The unique intersection of the theatrical and sporting worlds in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, recounting Brady’s interactions with famous stage actors, managers, and entertainment figures of the day.

Physical & Interior Presentation:
• Binding: The trade first edition is bound in a deep rust-red or brown cloth with the title and author’s name cleanly stamped in gilt across the front board and the spine.
• Illustrations: Heavily illustrated with 33 photographic images on plates, including a frontispiece portrait of William A. Brady, archival promotional shots of legendary boxers, and early photos of standard ring encounters.