Patterson, Floyd – Victory Over Myself

Description

Patterson, Floyd ‘Victory Over Myself’ Pelham Books, London. 1962 1st printing. 244 pages. VG/G (2) $30.00 each.

The 1962 first printing of “Victory Over Myself” by Floyd Patterson (co-authored with Milton Gross), published by Pelham Books in London, is the true UK first edition of the legendary heavyweight champion’s deeply introspective autobiography.
While the American first edition was published simultaneously by Bernard Geis Associates, this Pelham Books release serves as the official contemporary UK counterpart.

Content & Narrative Overview:
Written near the peak of his career and just before his historic bouts with Sonny Liston, the book is widely praised as one of the most honest and psychologically raw sports memoirs ever printed. It details Patterson’s journey from a pathologically shy, impoverished, and troubled boy in Brooklyn who was sent to the Wiltwyck School for boys, to overcoming intense emotional vulnerability and fear to become the youngest Olympic middleweight gold medalist and the youngest undisputed World Heavyweight Champion of his era.

Physical & Publication Details of the 1962 First Printing:
• Publisher: Published in London by Pelham Books (often in association with Michael Joseph Ltd.).
• Publication Date: 1962 (Stated First Edition / First Printing).
• Format/Size: Demy 8vo (octavo format), measuring roughly 8.5 x 5.5 inches.
• Binding/Cover: Original textured cloth boards (typically a deep blue or black tone) featuring bright gold/gilt lettering stamped across the spine.
• Pagination: Comprises roughly 206 to 244 pages of main narrative text (differing slightly from the US layout depending on regional typography setting).
• Illustrations: Features an expansive selection of black-and-white full-page photo plates printed on glossy paper stock, detailing Patterson’s childhood, early training camps, and key professional ring victories.
• Dust Jacket: Originally issued in a highly stylized, illustrative graphic dust jacket featuring a bold photographic portrait of Floyd Patterson.