The Hand-book to Boxing

In 1840,Owen Swift published "The Hand-book to Boxing." Drawing on his experience as a professional boxer, having killed at least two men in the ring, his ambitious booklet attempts to treat the subject of boxing comprehensively. Swift first offers a defense of pugilism, arguing for its legalization to the Marquis of Normanby. He follows with a brief history of boxing from ancient greeks to contemporary times. He continues with a discussion and advice for the proper forms to enjoy boxing as an upper class spectator. Thense he careens into a discussion of boxing schools and differences between “modern” and “old” styles. Finally, at long last, he gives instructions for how to box and train, the requirements of Seconds, and the "new rules of prize-fighting." Swift wraps up with a chronology of boxing spanning from 1740 to November 1840. This inclusive and unique manual is a requisite for pugilism enthusiasts, martial artists, and boxing historians alike.