Hutchinson, D.C. – Boxing

Description

Hutchinson, D.C. ‘Boxing’ 1913 1st edition instructional book in green colored cloth. 120-pages, plus another 11 pages of ads for additional book titles. Contents: Early Practice and the Simple Blows, Straight Left, Right Hook, and Combinations, Advanced Blows and Counters and Fancy Blows. Ring Tactics, Feinting, Side-Stepping, Clinching, covering Up, Stalling, Foul Tactic. Training., and Appendix.

The 1913 first edition of Boxing by D.C. Hutchison is the true first printing of this highly regarded athletic guide. Published in New York by the Outing Publishing Company (as part of their “Outing Handbooks” series), the book was originally issued in small-format, distinctive green cloth boards stamped with black lettering and a cover illustration of two boxers.

Book Summary & Key Differences:
While the core text and the 36 hand-drawn instructional illustrations remain identical to the later 1923 Macmillan reprint, the 1913 original holds a special place for physical culture historians:
• The Amateur Framework: Unlike commercial boxing books of the era that focused on professional prizefighting, Hutchison specifically wrote this manual as a training syllabus for independent athletic clubs and everyday amateurs looking for healthy sport and exercise.
• The Appendix & Rules: The 1913 edition is highly valued for its appendices, which print the exact competitive regulations used at the time, including the classic Marquis of Queensberry Rules and early amateur association rules. It provides contemporary insights into concepts like “stand-up boxing” ring mechanics and how betting/stake-drawing functioned under early official oversight.