Shaw, Fred G. – The Science of Self Defence

Description

Shaw, Fred G. ‘The Science of Self Defence’ 1919 1st ed. 184-pages. Badly sunned spine, the front and rear covers are good. Good condition internally with tight binding, straight and clean. NOTE: There’s a handwritten inscription at the top of the inside of the front cover that reads: “Presented to Fred Hollis winner of 7 stone 6 competition _______ & District 19-23” Doing some on-line research with AI I found the following:

“1. What does “7 stone 6” mean?
In the United Kingdom, body weight is traditionally measured in stones and pounds (one stone equals 14 pounds).
• 7 stone 6 pounds translates precisely to 104 pounds (approx. 47.1 kg).
In the 1910s and 1920s, this specific weight class did not correspond to an adult professional division. Instead, a “7 stone 6 competition” was the standardized division for schoolboy, youth, or cadet amateur boxing championships in Great Britain. The competitors in this class were typically teenagers (around 14 to 16 years old).

2. What is the missing word?
The blank space before “& District” was meant to name the specific regional athletic or schoolboy boxing union governing the tournament. Given that Fred G. Shaw self-published the book in London and it heavily aligns with British rules, it almost certainly refers to a local British district. Common examples from the 1923 era include:
• London & District
• Middlesex & District
• Surrey & District
• Southwark & District

3. The Significance of “19-23”
The “19-23” stands for the year 1923. This is highly significant because it perfectly matches the timeline of your other copy, which Fred G. Shaw inscribed in March 1923.
When The Science of Self-Defence was published in late 1919, copies were frequently purchased in bulk by local amateur boxing associations, schools, and youth clubs to be handed out as official presentation prizes or “laurels” for tournament winners.”

Self-published by the multi-talented British author, engineer, and world-champion fly-caster Fred G. Shaw (Frederick George Shaw, F.G.S.). Published as a hardcover first edition in 1919 from his personal address at 47 Finchley Road, London, this volume is considered a foundational early-20th-century British boxing collectable.

Book Summary & Key Contents:
The book represents a highly meticulous, analytical approach to boxing, leveraging the author’s background in science and geometry to treat prizefighting as an exact discipline rather than a chaotic brawl.
• The Physics of Boxing: Shaw provides an in-depth guide to successful boxing by applying proven physical, mechanical, and mental methods. He focuses heavily on leverage, geometric angles of defense, balance, and kinetic force generation.
• Instructional Imagery: The text is richly illustrated with 36 photographic plates and explanatory diagrams outlining footwork matrices, correct guard stances, and punch trajectories.
• Historical References: It analyzes the strategic choices made in historic professional fights of the early 20th century to emphasize its tactical lessons.
• National Sporting Club Influence: Written with a deep reverence for the strict rules and sportsmanship governing British boxing, the book closely aligns with the traditions of London’s historic National Sporting Club.

Contents: Introduction, Considerations of Boxing Past and Present, Terms and Methods Used in Boxing, How to Become a Scientific Boxer, Explanation of – and Commentary On The Illustrations, Practical Advice to the Amateur, Evils Introduced by American Professional Boxing, In-Fighting Versus Fighting-In, Modern Boxing and The A.B.A., The Referee and Professional Boxing, The Difficulties of Refereeing, Evil Influences Affecting Modern Professionalism – Gigantic Purses – Bloated Gate Returns – Impotent Refereeing and Unscientific Boxing, The Verdict of Public Opinion, Narratives Illustrating The Value of In-Fighting.