ILLUSTRATED LIMITED LARGE-PAPER FIRST EDITION OF THE BADMINTON LIBRARY’S VOLUME ON FENCING, BOXING AND WRESTLING
(SPORT) POLLOCK, Walter H. Fencing. Boxing. Wrestling. London: Longmans, Green, 1889. Large octavo, original three-quarter navy morocco gilt rebacked, top edge gilt, uncut.
Limited large paper first edition, number 54 of only 250 copies, of this generously illustrated guide to three sports of combat: fencing, boxing and wrestling.
Henry Somerset, eighth Duke of Beaufort, conceived of the "Badminton Library" (named after his principal country house, not the game) as a comprehensive series of instructional guidebooks, presenting history, rules and strategic hints for pastimes popular among Victorian England's aristocracy. Each chapter boasts expert commentary, accompanied by copious pictures and drawings. Published between 1885 and 1920, "the books provide a rich source of information on the growth and development of sport during the late 19th century in Britain, and are highly sought after by collectors" (Nauright & Parrish, Sports Around the World, 33). This volume includes illustrated instructions on fencing technique from simple attacks to parries and feints; boxing steps and punches; and explanations of such wrestling "chips" as the Hank, the Cross-Buttock and the Cross Click. Illustrated with 42 full-page plates. Front board gilt-stamped with Beaufort coat of arms.
Occasional light foxing. Binding with light expert restoration. Extremely good condition.