Robert "Bob" Fitzsimmons, "Physical Culture and Self-Defence" (1907)

Robert Fitzsimmons (with introduction by A. J. Drexel Biddle), "Physical Culture and Self-Defence" (originally published in Philadelphia, 1901; this edition London, Gale & Polden Ltd., 1907).  Red card covers, 121pp (plus title, contents, introduction and publisher's list of "athletic books"), measuring approximately 12.1 x 18.2 x 1.3cm (4.75 x 7.15 x 0.5in).  Robert James "Bob" Fitzsimmons (1863-1917), born in Helston, Cornwall, was the first world boxing champion to hold titles in three divisions (Middleweight, Light-Heavyweight and Heavyweight), and is remembered for beating Gentleman Jim Corbett in the contest for the World Heavyweight title in 1897.  This book consists of three parts ("Physical Culture", "Self-Defence" and "The Life and Ring Battles of Robert Fitzsimmons", and includes several photographic illustrations "from Poses by Robert Fitzsimmons and George Dawson, Physical Instructor of the Chicago Athletic Club".  The cover, which includes advertisements for Cadbury's Cocoa Essence, Oxo and Frank Bryan's "Champion" Boxing Gloves, is marked and discoloured with considerable age wear including areas of surface damage, indentations, wear to the edges and bumping to the corners; the paper surface of the spine is creased and split all the way along with slight loss, and the binding is somewhat weak.  The front endpaper has been written on in pencil at the top; the pages are discoloured with some marks, slight bumping to the corners and wear / indentations to the edges, together with occasional slight surface damage.

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