Lynch, Bohun – Knuckles and Gloves 1922 1st edition.

Description

Lynch, Bohun – Knuckles and Gloves’ 1922 1st edition. W. Collins Sons & Co., Ltd. London. 217-pages. Mylar protected covers in good condition, though the tape holding them on has left some small tape outlines on the blank pages opposite both the front and rear covers. The full page picture opposite the title page is also loosened but intact., Otherwise good condition.

Knuckles and Gloves by Bohun Lynch (misspelled as Buhun in some early catalogs) is a landmark 1922 historical chronicle of British and international prizefighting. Published by W. Collins Sons & Co., Ltd. in London, this 216-page hardcover represents the true first edition of one of the most celebrated retrospectives in boxing literature.
Physical & Publication Details
• Publisher: W. Collins Sons & Co., Ltd. (London, Glasgow, Melbourne, Auckland) [2]
• Publication Year: 1922
• Format: Hardcover, typically bound in cloth with gilded or stamped spine lettering [2]
• Page Count: 216 pages (plus introductory material and photographic plates)
Historical Scope & Content
Written by a skilled amateur boxer and renowned journalist, the book captures the shift from raw 18th-century pugilism to the “scientific” gloved matches of the early 20th century.
• The Bare-Knuckle Era: Lynch details the brutal, marathon matches of early English heroes like John Broughton, Daniel Mendoza, and Tom Cribb.
• The Transition to Gloves: It extensively covers the implementation of the Marquess of Queensberry rules and the rise of international legends like John L. Sullivan and Bob Fitzsimmons.
• Photographic Plates: The Collins first edition is highly sought after for its inclusion of historic, full-page illustrations and rare photographs depicting legendary fighters in their iconic stances.
Collector Value
As the true first edition, this 1922 London printing is the crown jewel for boxing bibliophiles, carrying a premium over the 1923 American release by Henry Holt. Finding a copy with sound binding and intact internal plates is rare, making it a highly prized centerpiece for any sports history collection.