complete grouping of 36 issues

Publisher's complete grouping of 36 issues of this very obscure bare-knuckle boxing history.

This weekly was originally issued in serialised format, beginning in about 1877. Each issue consists of 8 pages with a pictorial cover showing known boxers. All of the historical champion bare-knuckle boxers and major fights are included. This grouping of 36 issues (all published) was apparently bound together by the publisher after all the parts were issued. The compiler, Charles Fox, was also the promoter of 'The Sporting Life' and 'Illustrated Sporting News'.

While separate issues are occasionally offered, bound copies of all 36 issues are especially hard to come by [OCLC locates only two sets of this complete grouping; only one auction listing recorded in the last 50 years (1997)].

36 issues bound in one volume; 4to (257 x 198 mm); 36 full-page graphic pictorial covers, scattered foxing, some toning to leaves, a few short closed edge tears, 3 sections of news article on boxing pasted to rear blank flyleaves; contemporary half brown leather, pebbled cloth boards, gilt lettering to spine, a few minor spots to covers, some material loss to foot of spine, light rubbing to extremities, overall a very good copy; 288pp.