Boxing and Attack & Defence - J. C. Earl;Major W. J. Elliott

This is a gem of a Victorian fighting manual. Via a rich array of illustrations, we are taken through the martial sports of the 1800s.

This guide covers the use of foil fencing, single-stick (applicable to sabre), bayonet and boxing.

It looks at weapon mismatches (sword vs bayonet) and equal weapons (sword vs sword). It gives a thorough view of skills and drills that gave Victorian soldiers and officers a fighting edge.

The boxing segment is crafted by J. C. Earl, a former Heavyweight Champion of Ireland who showcases the foundations of the craft.

By design the volume is easy to follow at home and the sheer volume of illustrations means that picking up the essential guards, parries, ripostes and blows could not be easier.

This is a fascinating and rare look into the world of martial sports and sciences, being published in 1897 for military and civilian audiences.