Description
Book SynopsisThis 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 Egan’s style distinctive and examining the ways his writing invigorated the sporting narrative. In particular, the author analyses Egan’s 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 Egan’s ‘Pugilistic Hemisphere’ and looks at Egan’s exploitation of prizefighting’s 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 Egan’s metropolitan rambles is complemented by discussion of the heterogeneity, spectacle and social dynamics of the prize ring and its reportage. The book traces Egan’s impact during the nineteenth century and, importantly, evaluates his influence on the subsequent development of sporting journalism.
Trade Review«Snowdon's
Writing the Prizefight is sports history of a high order.»
(Scott A.G.M. Crawford, Journal of Sports History 2014)
Table of ContentsContents: The Rise in Popularity of Pugilism and its Reporting – Flash!: The Language of the Metropolis and the Prize Ring – Sporting Theatre: Spectacle and Social Dynamics – The Nation - Military and Moral – Enlivening Reality: The Egan Touch – Post-Fight Observations.
