Description
Lynch, Bohun – Knuckles and Gloves 1922 217-page 1st edition. W. Collins Sons & Co., Ltd., London: 48 Pall Mall. Good minus condition with wear to spine and extremities and foxing to the title page and inner covers, else good condition. Has the name of a former owner of the book handwritten on the inside of the front cover.
Knuckles and Gloves by Bohun Lynch 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.
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