I find old boxing manuals\instruction books very interesting. Especially when it's by former fighters, as it helps us understand what their mindsets and styles may have looked like. Some good examples are Physical Culture and Self Defense by Bob Fitzsimmons, and the Art of Boxing by Ned Donnelly: This content is protected https://www.nycsteampunk.com/bartitsu/manuals/PhysicalCultureAndSelfDefense1923.pdf What does the forum think of works like this? Are there any others, potentially by Sullivan or Jeffries? Maybe even Gans?
I like reading works likes this. Very interesting and informative, and reflective of the more common practices and techniques of the day. I’d love to read a manual by Jack Johnson if there is one out there - particularly interesting would be Johnson’s advice on clinching, holding and neutralising his opponent via attention to pressure points. Perhaps not pretty for spectators but handy in real life engagements.
There's quite a few manuals dating back to the early days of the sport. Obviously the earliest ones reflect a different sport and are written in the language of the day. This collection looks really informative, different boxing eras and the writing linked to it. Fighting Words English and American Boxing Literature from the Joyce Sports Collection | Digital Exhibits A treatise on the art and practice of self-defence; or, instructions how to obtain a scientific mode of boxing: with the rules to be observed. The whole rendered so easy that every person may learn the art without the aid of a master; to which are added, - Yale University Library The art of boxing, or, Science of manual defence : clearly displayed on rational principles, whereby every person may easily make themselves masters of that manly acquirement, so as to ensure success both in attack & defence : to which are added, memoirs and delineations of the most celebrated pugilists, and an account of some of their principal battles / by Thomas Belcher. - Yale University Library The complete art of boxing, according to the modern method; ... To which is added The general history of boxing. ... By an amateur of eminence. 1788. on internet archive Boxing Reviewed; or, the Science of Manual Defence, displayed on Rational Principles was penned by the Birmingham pugilist Thomas Fewtrell. 1790 - on internet archive A Treatise upon the Useful Science of Defence. Godfrey in 1747 Had a section on boxing but was primarily about swordsmanship