Subject
Boxers (Sports) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Bernard Shaw
Cashel Byron's Profession
"Cashel Byron's Profession" by Bernard Shaw is a novel written in 1882. When world champion prizefighter Cashel Byron meets wealthy aristocrat Lydia Carew at her country manor, he faces an impossible dilemma: how to win her heart without revealing his illegal profession. Lydia seeks a husband with a respectable career, not an idle gentleman. Through miscommunication and drawing room comedy, their unlikely romance unfolds, challenging Victorian conventions about class, respectability, and what truly matters in marriage.
Jack London
The Abysmal Brute
"The Abysmal Brute" by Jack London is a novel published in 1913. A young man raised in isolation in a remote log cabin enters the world of professional boxing in San Francisco. Despite his natural talent and immediate success in the ring, he remains detached from city life and its corruptions. As his career skyrockets and he becomes known as "The Abysmal Brute," he gradually discovers the dark underbelly of the boxing world—fixed fights, betting syndicates, and widespread deception that threaten everything he values.
Jack London
The Game
"The Game" by Jack London is a novel published in 1905 about a young boxer navigating love and ambition. Joe Fleming is a twenty-year-old sailmaker who supplements his income through prize-fighting. On the eve of his wedding to Genevieve, he agrees to one final fight before leaving the ring forever. His reluctant fiancée watches from the sidelines, witnessing a night that will change everything. Based on London's experience as a sports reporter, this story explores the brutal reality of boxing.
Arthur Conan Doyle
The Croxley Master: A Great Tale Of The Prize Ring
"The Croxley Master: A Great Tale Of The Prize Ring" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the boxing world, the book tells the story of Robert Montgomery, a medical assistant struggling to finance his final year of medical school. With a fighting background, he gets an unexpected opportunity to earn the money he needs by stepping in to fight the famed Silas Craggs, known as the Master of Croxley, after the original contender is injured. The narrative follows Montgomery as he trains and prepares for the fight against the formidable Craggs, exploring themes of courage, class struggle, and the spirit of sport. Montgomery’s internal struggles, combined with the external pressures of societal expectations and the physical demands of boxing, build the tension leading up to the match. His fight against the Master is not only a battle of strength and skill but also a fight for his future and dreams of becoming a doctor. Ultimately, the outcome of the match serves as a turning point for Montgomery, revealing deeper insights into human character, ambition, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Alfred Kreymborg
The Glebe 1914/03 (Vol. 1, No. 6): Erna Vitek
"The Glebe 1914/03 (Vol. 1, No. 6): Erna Vitek" by Alfred Kreymborg is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around themes of morality and relationships as it explores the life of the protagonist, Erna Vitek, as seen through the perspectives of three male friends—a painter, a writer, and a composer. Their discussions and dilemmas regarding her character add depth to her role and the unfolding drama of her interactions with them. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Erna through a conversation among Bainbridge Breen, Eric Nielsen, and John Carstairs, who debate the moral implications of her character as a waitress. Their lighthearted banter takes a serious turn as Breen proposes that they "test" Erna, leading each of them to develop a rapport with her in different ways. The scene shifts to Erna herself, who grapples with her feelings towards a former lover, Jimmy Allen, as well as her encounters with the three men. Kreymborg deftly weaves humor with poignant observations on human relationships and societal expectations, setting the stage for the complexities of Erna's life that are to unfold in the subsequent chapters.
H. C. (Harry Charles) Witwer
Kid Scanlan
"Kid Scanlan" by H. C. Witwer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the titular character, Kid Scanlan, a welterweight boxer whose journey from the ring to becoming a movie star unfolds with humorous and colorful anecdotes. Through a blend of wit and adventure, the novel captures the highs and lows of Scanlan's life as he navigates fame, fortune, and the challenges that come with them. The opening of "Kid Scanlan" introduces readers to the Kid as he reflects on his boxing career and his path to championship glory. It details the aftermath of his thrilling bout against One-Punch Ross, leading to a surprise transition into the film industry. Supported by his savvy manager, Johnny Green, Scanlan embarks on a new adventure in Hollywood, marked by a series of comedic misadventures involving film producers, eccentric directors, and a host of misunderstandings. As Scanlan prepares to play the lead in his own movie, the narrative sets the stage for a delightful exploration of showbiz alongside the chaos of Scanlan's boxing days.
Betsy Curtis
The Protector
"The Protector" by Betsy Curtis is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around a unique boxer named Pierre, who hails from a race of beings known as the Anestha, characterized by their inability to feel pain. The narrative explores themes of cultural identity, struggle against oppression, and the instinct to protect one's kin as Pierre and his manager, Joe, journey to Gorlin, Pierre's home planet, to uncover the troubles facing his people and help them resist exploitation. The plot unfolds as Joe, who manages fighters, takes Pierre back to his homeland after he becomes concerned about the well-being of the Anestha. Upon arrival, they discover that the Anestha are being abused by a ruthless mine owner, who belittles them and exploits their labor. The situation escalates as Pierre confronts this oppressive figure, eventually using his boxing skills to stand up for his family and community. Through Pierre's fight and the duo's determination, the story highlights the importance of defending one's heritage and challenging injustice, ultimately transforming Pierre from a boxer into a protector of his people.
Jack London
De Ongelikte Beer
"De Ongelikte Beer" by Jack London is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a character named Pat Glendon, who is being groomed to become a heavyweight boxing champion by his manager, Sam Stubener, and his father, the former boxer Old Pat Glendon. The themes of the book explore the gritty world of professional boxing, personal ambition, and the challenges that Pat faces as he transitions from life in the wilderness to the pressures of fame and competition in the boxing ring. At the start of the novel, we meet Sam Stubener, a boxing manager who receives an intriguing letter about a promising heavyweight named Pat Glendon, trained by the legendary Old Pat Glendon. As Sam investigates, he learns about Pat's remarkable skills and unique upbringing in the wilds of Northern California. The narrative introduces us to the old boxer, who is immensely proud of his son’s natural talents and his upbringing free from the corruption often associated with the boxing world. As Sam travels to find young Pat, there is an underlying sense of anticipation for what lies ahead as the stage is set for Pat’s debut in professional boxing and the inevitable clash between his natural instincts and the harsh realities of the sport.
Bernard Shaw
Herra Byronin ammatti
"Herra Byronin ammatti" by Bernard Shaw is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character Cashel Byron, a young man struggling with the expectations placed upon him by his mother and his school. The narrative explores themes of identity, ambition, and societal pressures as Cashel grapples with his future while navigating the complexities of adolescence. The opening of the novel introduces us to Moncrief House, a school for upper-class boys, where the protagonist, Cashel Byron, is presented as a physically strong yet academically underperforming student. As his mother visits the school to discuss his lack of progress, she learns about his tendencies toward violence and distractions, including a penchant for fighting. The vivid descriptions of the classroom dynamics, the disdain from his peers, and the school environment set the stage for the internal and external conflicts Cashel will face. Following a failed escape attempt with a friend, Cashel's determination to break free from confinement reflects his desire for autonomy and self-discovery in a restrictive society.
Jack London
Villipeto
"Villipeto" by Jack London is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Sam Stubener, a boxing impresario, who discovers the son of a former boxing legend, Pat Glendon, and is drawn into the world of boxing. The narrative starts with Sam receiving a mysterious letter that rekindles his interest in the sport, leading him to meet the enigmatic and prodigious young fighter, Pat Glendon. The opening portion of the book introduces Sam Stubener as he reviews a slew of letters, signaling his busy life as an impresario in the boxing circuit. His attention is caught by a letter from the aging Pat Glendon, who claims to have trained his son, also named Pat, to be a natural-born boxer with extraordinary skills. Intrigued, Stubener decides to investigate further, and the story unfolds as Sam travels to find the younger Pat. The initial chapters set the stage for exploration into the dynamics of boxing, the father-son relationship, and the challenges of adapting to both the sport and the expectations that come with it. Through vivid descriptions of old boxing lore and the characters’ motivations, London weaves a tale that hints at both the glory and pitfalls of prize fighting.
Jack London
Viimeinen ottelu
"Viimeinen ottelu" by Jack London is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Joe Fleming, a young boxer, and his relationship with Genevieve, a naive but beautiful young woman who is enamored with him. At its core, the book addresses the themes of love, ambition, and the conflicts between personal desires and societal expectations. The opening of the novel introduces Joe and Genevieve as they shop for carpets, hinting at their shared aspirations and underlying tensions about Joe's boxing career. Genevieve displays concern for Joe's safety and the nature of his sport, which he views as profound and exhilarating, emphasizing the excitement and pride he derives from his victories. As they navigate their relationship, the tension between Joe's boxing independence and Genevieve's desire to possess him grows palpable, underpinning the story's emotional conflict. Through their interactions, the reader is drawn into the complexities of their world, where love and the lure of ambition intertwine.
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