Donnelly, Ned – Self Defence or The Art of Boxing

Description

Donnelly, Ned ‘Self Defence or The Art of Boxing’ 1881 4th edition. 132-pages. Good plus condition, nice covers, straight, tight binding and very clean, though on the top half of the blank last page in the book a party has written the 1925 A.B.A. weights for each of the divisions. A nice 145-year-old book.

The 1881 fourth edition hardcover of Self-Defence; or, The Art of Boxing by Ned Donnelly is a 132-page classic Victorian instructional manual published in London by Weldon & Co.

Book Details:
• Author: Ned Donnelly (Professor of Boxing to the London Athletic Club and trainer of 19 Marquis of Queensberry Cup winners)
• Editor: J. M. Waite (Professor of Fencing, late 2nd Life Guards)
• Publisher: Weldon & Co., London
• Publication Year: 1881 (Fourth Edition)
• Format: Hardcover small octavo (12mo), typically bound in cloth boards featuring a bright gold-embossed illustration of a gentlemanly boxer on the front cover.
• Length: 132 pages

Content & Overview:
• A Transitional Masterpiece: Written by an elite fighter turned coach, the treatise documents the definitive evolutionary shift where old-school London Prize Ring rules gave way to the regulated, civilized Marquis of Queensberry era. It is explicitly designed for amateurs and professionals fighting with gloves.
• Fencing Mechanics in Boxing: Due to the heavy editing and influence of fencing master J. M. Waite, the manual treats the geometry of boxing like swordplay. Donnelly structures his core boxing stances and weight transfers as being heavily reminiscent of a fencing lunge.
• The Instructional Curricula: The guide breaks down the science of boxing into sequential, accessible lessons covering fundamental footwork, basic and advanced punches, combinations, timing, matching, and competitive sparring.
• Illustrations: The book is highly prized for its visual layout, featuring detailed steel engravings and plates on almost every page. These illustrations showcase a slightly paunchy, mustachioed Victorian boxer demonstrating accurate positions for specific blows, stops, and defensive guards.