Rare Georgian Boxing Books Lead the Ring at Auction

Two exceptional Georgian manuals on the art of boxing will feature in Chiswick Auctions’ Books and Works on Paper sale on 24 August, offering collectors a rare glimpse into the earliest literature on pugilism. These scarce volumes, both written by celebrated bareknuckle prize fighters around 1790, form part of the esteemed boxing library compiled by Brian and Debbie Watkins.

Among the highlights is Boxing Reviewed; or, the Science of Manual Defence, displayed on Rational Principles, penned by Birmingham pugilist Thomas Fewtrell. Known as “the gentleman jaw breaker”, Fewtrell is thought to have fought more than 100 bouts during his career. His book, possibly the first written by an active prize fighter, explores boxing technique through the lens of several Georgian-era champions. The illustrated frontispiece shows ‘Thomas Johnson the first Pugilist in the World’, who held the English title from 1784 to 1791. This rare volume carries an estimate of £1,200–£1,800.

 _{Lot 288: Boxing Reviewed; or, the Science of Manual Defence, displayed on Rational Principleswas penned by the Birmingham pugilist Thomas Fewtrell around 1790.
Estimate £1,200-£1,800}

Fewtrell was a contemporary and friend of Daniel Mendoza (1764–1836), one of the most significant figures in boxing history. Mendoza was celebrated not only for his skill in the ring but also for revolutionising the sport with his defensive style and published works. Offered in the same sale is The Modern Art of Boxing, a previously unrecorded variant from 1790. This example, in later paper-covered boards, is guided at £1,000–£1,500.

_{Lot 248: The Modern Art of Boxing, as practiced by Mendoza Ward and other eminent Pugilist}

_{Estimate £1,000-£1,500}

Also included is an important early edition of Mendoza’s autobiography. Memoirs of the Life of Daniel Mendoza… was printed in 1808, eight years before the more familiar 1816 edition, and has not been seen at auction before. This 320-page volume, thought to have been written while Mendoza was in debtor’s prison, was printed for the author at his business on Commercial Road. The estimate is £4,000–£6,000..

 _{Lot 301: A rare autobiography from 1808, by Mendoza, titled Memoirs of the Life of Daniel Mendoza; Containing a Faithful Narrative of the Various Vicissitudes of His Life, and an Account of the Numerous Contests…}

Another notable item from the Watkins Collection is a contemporary printed report of a major contest from 1821. An Account of the Great Fight for the Championship of all England, authored by Pierce Egan, details the brutal 18-round bout between Bill Neat and Tom Hickman. A crowd of 22,000 gathered to watch Neat deliver a decisive and bloody victory. The report is expected to realise £800–£1,200.

From the Victorian period comes a rare catalogue documenting the posthumous sale of Tom Sayers’ belongings. Sayers (1826–1865), heavyweight champion of England between 1857 and 1860, is remembered for his legendary contest with American champion John Heenan, considered the first world title fight. The auction of his estate included silver trophies, personal effects and even his performing mule. This annotated sale catalogue, dated 1 December 1865, is guided at £1,000–£1,500.

_{Lot 281: Boxing.- Sayers (Tom) A catalogue of the whole of the valuable trophies, won by, and presented to the late Tom Sayers}

_{Estimate of £1,000-£1,500}

This compelling group of rare boxing books and ephemera, spanning the Georgian and Victorian eras, offers a unique opportunity for collectors interested in the early history of the sport.

Interested in receiving a complimentary valuation of your rare books?

Get in touch with Head of Department Clive Moss via email at clive.moss@chiswickauctions.co.uk or submit an Online Valuation.