Writing the Prizefight

This book won the Lord Aberdare Literary Prize for Sports History (2013) This book focuses on the literary contribution made by the pugilistic writing of Pierce Egan (c. 1772-1849), identifying the elements that rendered Egans style distinctive and examining the ways his writing invigorated the sporting narrative. In particular, the author analyses Egans blend of inventive imagery and linguistic exuberance within the commentaries of the Boxiana series (1812-29). The book explores the metropolitan and sporting jargon used by the diverse range of characters that inhabited Egans Pugilistic Hemisphere and looks at Egans exploitation of prizefightings theatricality. Another significant theme is the role of pugilistic reporting in perpetuating stereotypical notions relating to British national identity, military readiness and morality. Consideration of Egans metropolitan rambles is complemented by discussion of the heterogeneity, spectacle and social dynamics of the prize ring and its reportage. The book traces Egans impact during the nineteenth century and, importantly, evaluates his influence on the subsequent development of sporting journalism.