Description
Odd, Gilbert ‘I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House’ (John L. Sullivan story) 1979 reprint of Sullivan’s 1892 biography, edited by Odd. 246 pages. This is essentially a reprint of Sullivan’s 1892 biography ‘Life of a 19th Century Gladiator’ with some additional editorial comments by Odd. VG/VG (2) $30 each.
Book Description & Physical Specifications:
Published by Proteus Publishing (London/New York), this volume is a heavily annotated and curated edition of the legendary 19th-century heavyweight champion’s original autobiography, masterfully edited and contextualized by renowned British boxing writer and historian Gilbert Odd.
• Content: The text presents the boisterous life story of John L. Sullivan, the “Boston Strong Boy,” who reigned as the last of the legendary bare-knuckle champions under the London Prize Ring rules and ushered in the modern era of gloved fighting. The book details his rapid meteoric rise, his legal battles (since prize-fighting was illegal at the time), his historic cross-country exhibition tours where he popularized his famous open-saloon challenge, and his fierce rivalries with fighters like Paddy Ryan, Jake Kilrain, and Charley Mitchell. Odd balances Sullivan’s supreme self-confidence and cultural status as America’s first true sports superstar with his historical faults, including his drawing of the “color bar” against Black contender Peter Jackson.
• Format: Octavo (8vo, approx. 8.75 in. x 5.75 in.), containing roughly 160 pages.
• Binding: Hardcover bound in dark cloth boards with crisp silver or gold title lettering stamped down the spine. The interior features a collection of rare 19th-century archival photographs, drawings, and fight broadsheets documenting Sullivan’s career.
• Dust Jacket: Features a striking, high-contrast period photograph or vintage illustration of the mustachioed champion in his iconic square-shouldered bare-knuckle boxing stance.
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