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, Descriptions of Pugilistic Attitudes, With Illustrative Cuts. Also, the art of attack, As practised by the most celebrated Boxers of the Present Day..

London: Printed [by Bernard Hodgson] for the Booksellers, 1826. [5]-28pp. With a hand-coloured wood-engraved folding frontispiece (depicting eight cuts of boxing attitudes, and one larger one depicting a boxing- match) and a further nine hand-coloured wood-engraved illustrations in the text (eight of which repeated from the frontispiece). Later red morocco-backed red paper boards, lettered in gilt to spine. Original publisher's printed blue paper wrappers bound in. Extremities rubbed. Near contemporary inked ownership inscription 'James Caley 1834' to upper wrapper, partially shaved inked ownership inscription to head of title page: 'James Caley / Castletown / Isle of Ma[n] / October 5th 18[34]', occasional light marginal spotting. A rare survival of the first edition of an anonymous boxing primer calculated to instruct the reader without the necessity of a coach, with evidence of early Manx ownership. Commencing with instruction on the correct 'attitude, or guard', then proceeding to manoeuvring and sparring, the primary focus of this treatise is unsurprisingly on the deliverance of blows to one's opponent. These include the 'Cross Buttock', 'A back-handed blow, or Chopper', and 'Gouging'. This latter 'unmanly and barbarous' technique, which involves screwing your knuckles into the eyes of your adversary was, we are told, favoured by Jewish prize-fighting champion Daniel Mendoza (1734-1836) in his infamous fight against Richard Humphries (c. 1760-1827) Oldham in 1788. The treatise concludes with the 'rules to be observed in all Battles on the Stage'; these conform to those instituted by champion bare-knuckle prize-fighter John Broughton (c. 1703-1789) in 1743. These rules governed boxing until they were replaced by the more detailed London Prize Ring rules in 1838. Broughton the 'Father of Boxing' rejected the far more brutal barroom attitudes of his predecessors, favouring instead to rely on the use of fists - though wrestling holds remained permitted provided contact was made above the waist. He is credited with the introduction of 'mufflers' - the fore-runner of the modern boxing glove - in an effort to attract amateurs to the sport. OCLC records copies at just two locations (BL and Yale); COPAC adds no further. . First edition. 12mo.