Lynch, Bohun – Knuckles and Gloves

Description

Lynch, Bohun ‘Knuckles and Gloves’ 1923 1st American Edition. Henry Holt & Co., New York. 217 pages. Part I – 20 chapters dealing with pugilists from John Broughton to Tom Sayers and J.C. Heenan. Part II – 14 chapters from Jackson v. Slavin to Georges Carpentier and George Cook. Loose inner hinges and a 1/2″ split on bottom of spine’s cover, else good condition.

Knuckles and Gloves by Bohun Lynch is a historical and biographical chronicle tracing the evolution of boxing from the raw, brutal era of 18th-century bare-knuckle prizefighting to the regulated, scientific “gloved” sport of the early 20th century. Written by an insider—Lynch was an experienced amateur boxer and journalist—the book is structured around detailed accounts of legendary matchups and the colorful personalities who defined the sport’s history.

Key Themes & Features:
• The Strategic Shift: It meticulously examines the cultural and technical transition of boxing from a gritty method of self-defense into a highly disciplined, “sportsmanlike warfare”.
• Famous Battles: It includes vivid, critically praised breakdowns of historic fights, such as the epic, grueling 1860 draw between Tom Sayers and John C. Heenan (the “Benicia Boy”).
• Iconic Figures: The text provides rich character studies of early English pugilists like John Broughton and Tom Cribb, exploring how society viewed these athletes across different eras.
• Insiders Perspective: Rather than judging the sport from afar, Lynch writes with a distinct appreciation for the physical and psychological thrill of the ring.

The book is highly regarded by sports historians as a classic piece of pugilistic literature that captures the soul of traditional British and international boxing.