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Boxing stories Books
Best books
Arthur Conan Doyle
Rodney Stone
"Rodney Stone" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a Gothic mystery and boxing novel published in 1896. The story follows Rodney, a Sussex country boy dreaming of the sea, who is taken to London by his fashionable uncle Sir Charles Tregellis. There he enters a world of Regency high society, bare-knuckle boxing champions, and dark secrets surrounding his friend Boy Jim's mysterious parentage. Set against the backdrop of late eighteenth-century England, the novel weaves together coming-of-age adventure with the brutal sport of prizefighting and encounters with historical figures like Lord Nelson and Beau Brummell.
Burt L. Standish
Frank Merriwell's Champions; Or, All in the Game
"Frank Merriwell's Champions; Or, All in the Game" by Burt L. Standish is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Frank Merriwell and his friends as they embark on athletic competitions and adventures while traveling through picturesque landscapes. The group is characterized by a diverse cast including Bart Hodge, Bruce Browning, and others, who engage with both athletic challenges and interpersonal conflicts. The opening of the book introduces us to Frank Merriwell and his friends during a bicycle trip in the Virginia mountains. After accidentally damaging a young man's violin on a narrow path, tensions rise between them, potentially leading to a conflict. The introduction of the Blue Mountain Athletic Club suggests a competitive spirit that will likely further develop as Merriwell’s group navigates not only the challenges of sports but also rivalries and personal relationships. The tone sets the stage for a blend of adventure, friendship, and sportsmanship.
Albert Payson Terhune
The Fighter
"The Fighter" by Albert Payson Terhune is a novel written in the early 20th century. It follows Caleb Conover, a self-made man with a combative spirit, who finds success through both financial acumen and sheer force of will. As Conover navigates the challenges of business and social standing, the story delves into themes of ambition, class conflict, and personal relationships. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Caleb Conover, portrayed as a determined figure in the world of business who thrives on competition. In a series of dynamic interactions with his friend Caine, Conover discusses his recent victory in a crucial business deal involving the Independent Steeloid Company, revealing his ambitions for both wealth and social acceptance. The opening chapters set the stage for Conover’s larger struggles against societal norms and rivalries, particularly with his competitor Blacarda, while hinting at deeper emotional connections—particularly with Desirée Shevlin, the girl he cares for. The tone is characterized by Caleb's blend of brash confidence and underlying vulnerability, making him a compelling central figure in this tale of grit and determination.
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.
Aldo Giunta
Jingle in the Jungle
"Jingle in the Jungle" by Aldo Giunta is a science fiction story written in the mid-20th century, specifically during the 1950s. The narrative centers around Charlie Jingle, a trainer of robot fighters, navigating the corrupt world of professional fighting, where matches are rigged, and honesty is hard to come by. The story captures the struggle of an individual against a powerful corrupt system while exploring themes of integrity, ambition, and the quest for recognition within the confines of a manipulated sport. In the storyline, Charlie Jingle is thrust into a high-stakes situation when his fighter, Tanker Bell, unbeknownst to him, unexpectedly wins against a top contender. As whispers of fixes and conspiracies swirl around the fight game, Jingle learns he is caught up in a larger scheme orchestrated by corrupt promoters, including Pugs, Inc., and various shady characters. As the pressure mounts, Jingle must figure out how to navigate this treacherous landscape without losing his integrity or Tanker's chance at genuine success. Ultimately, the tale culminates in a climactic fight where Jingle uses his ingenuity and the truth about the corruption to turn the tables, flipping the script on Pugs, Inc., and proving that, against all odds, honesty and a fighting spirit can prevail.
Randall Garrett
Slaughter on Dornell IV
"Slaughter on Dornell IV" by Randall Garrett and Robert Silverberg is a science fiction short story written during the mid-20th century. The narrative follows Larry Filmore, a human fighter who grapples with his imminent battle against a formidable alien champion on the planet Dornell IV. The story delves into themes of racial prejudice, survival, and the brutal world of interstellar combat. In this gripping tale, Larry Filmore finds himself in a bar on Dornell IV, contemplating a dangerous fight against Fornax Kedrin, the Dornellian champion. Overwhelmed with anxiety about his impending bout and the treachery of his manager, Blackmer, Larry engages in a barroom brawl with a Dornellian, which unexpectedly boosts his confidence. After managing to defeat the alien in the scuffle, Larry learns that his fight against Fornax Kedrin has been canceled due to the champion's injury from the very altercation he had in the bar. The story concludes with Larry's newfound relief, suggesting that sometimes luck can alter the course of fate in a perilous world.
William Campbell Gault
Title fight
"Title Fight" by William Campbell Gault is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. Set in a futuristic world where robots are becoming increasingly capable and sentient, the narrative revolves around the conflicts arising from their quest for equality and recognition in a society dominated by humans. The story explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the definitions of humanity amid the backdrop of a boxing match between a human champion and a robot boxer. The plot follows Alix 1340, a highly advanced robot created in the image of humans, who is preparing to fight for the middleweight championship. As the fight progresses, it becomes apparent that this match transcends mere sport; it symbolizes the struggle for civil rights and the fight against oppression faced by non-white human groups and robots. Alix, with the help of his manager Manny and columnist Joe Nettleton, stands not just for his title but for a potential uprising against systemic injustice. Ultimately, after an intense battle, Alix defeats the human champion and delivers a profound message about faith and the divine, suggesting that true equality and understanding between beings can only emerge when both recognize their humanity or "find their God."
Arthur Conan Doyle
Jim Harrison, boxeur
"Jim Harrison, Boxeur" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a historical novel written during the early 20th century. The narrative takes place in England during the Regency era, exploring themes of identity, class, and the sport of boxing. The story revolves around Jim Harrison, a former champion and forger, and Rodney Stone, his friend and the narrator, as they navigate the complexities of their lives against the backdrop of boxing and societal expectations. At the start of the novel, the protagonist, Rodney Stone, reflects on the differences between his generation and that of his children as they reminisce about significant events in their lives. He introduces Jim Harrison, the titular character, who is raised by his uncle, a boxing champion turned blacksmith. Rodney recounts how their friendship formed during their childhood and how they operated within their small village of Friar's Oak. The beginning also sets the tone for the narrative, hinting at the impending adventures that center around Jim’s boxing prowess and the transformative relationships that will unfold as they encounter characters from various social strata, including a ghost story involving Lord Avon, touching upon themes of honor and the conflicts of their age.
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.
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