Boxing History Books: Reviews and Recommendations

[WeltshmerzKO]

I couldn't find a thread for boxing books so I've decided to create one here, if such a thread does exist I apologize for making another one and would be grateful if someone would let me know if thats the case. Being a fan of the sweet science and an avid reader two of my favourite genres are Boxing History and Historical fiction featuring boxing. Below are some of my favourite works, I will be posting book reviews and more good boxing reads soon. Looking forward to hearing your favourite boxing reads as well!
Cheers,

[WeltshmerzKO]

Good Boxing Reads


Kimball, George. Schulian, John. At The Fights: American Writers on Boxing. Penguin Group USA. 2011, 1st Edition.


Roberts, Randy. Joe Louis. Yale University Press. New Haven, 2010.


Haygood, Wil. Sweet Thunder: The Life and Times of Sugar Ray Robinson. Lawrence Hill Books, Chicago Illinois. 2011.


Schulberg, Budd. Ringside: A Treasury of Boxing Reportage. Ivan R. Dee Publishing, Chicago, Illinois. 2006.

[WeltshmerzKO]

Possibly my favourite novel of all time, The Power of One was what started my love of boxing at an early age. The setting is WW2 South Africa, and the book is an account of the life of "Peekay", or in Afrikaans Pisskop (literally Piss Head ). This work is one of Courtenay's best, and brings to life all of the political, social, and economic realities of mid century South Africa. Spectacular read, especially if your a fan of boxing.

The Power of One: Bryce Courtenay

[The Iron Man]

It might just be profiles of the lineal heavyweight champs but I enjoyed going through them all an imo its a nice thing to have on the book shelf, its the kind of book at will lead to more reading on one of the fighters as it only has a 3-5 page profile on each. - Overall a good book for people getting into the history of the sport/heavyweights and a nice addition for the guys who have been interested in boxing for a while!

Apparently the Adam Pollack books are a great read but they are pretty pricey but I have heard they are top notch. - A search on amazon will bring up the ones he has written so far.

[WeltshmerzKO]

It might just be profiles of the lineal heavyweight champs but I enjoyed going through them all an imo its a nice thing to have on the book shelf, its the kind of book at will lead to more reading on one of the fighters as it only has a 3-5 page profile on each.

Apparently the Adam Pollack books are a great read but they are pretty pricey but I have heard they are top notch. - A search on amazon will bring up the ones he has written so far.

Awesome! sounds like a must have for any boxing book collection, definitely going to pick this one up. Thanks for the Adam Pollack tip, going to see if I can find some of his too. Cheers,

[Anthony342]

Possibly my favourite novel of all time, The Power of One was what started my love of boxing at an early age. The setting is WW2 South Africa, and the book is an account of the life of "Peekay", or in Afrikaans Pisskop (literally Piss Head ). This work is one of Courtenay's best, and brings to life all of the political, social, and economic realities of mid century South Africa. Spectacular read, especially if your a fan of boxing.

The Power of One: Bryce Courtenay

Ever seen the movie adaptation? Did you like it?

[WeltshmerzKO]

Ever seen the movie adaptation? Did you like it?

No i refuse to watch the movie, I find when you read a good book the movies often change the way you think of the characters and the storyline etc. I don't want to risk the movie ruining one of my fav books of all time lol. but i am curious....is the movie good?

[WeltshmerzKO]

"Tandia" is Courtenay's sequel to "The Power of One", and just like its predecessor is a well written novel that brings the world of 20th century South Africa to life. The story picks up where the first one left off and follows Peekay's struggle to become the Welterweight champion of the world, and a fighter in the political arena against Apartheid. Great read for anyone who is interested in historical fiction featuring boxing, and one of my personal favourites.

[SBleeder]

Fictional story about a troubled youth in the New York Golden Gloves. Several anecdotes about pro fighters as well.

[Anthony342]

No i refuse to watch the movie, I find when you read a good book the movies often change the way you think of the characters and the storyline etc. I don't want to risk the movie ruining one of my fav books of all time lol. but i am curious....is the movie good?

Haven't seen it but I heard it is, was hoping you had seen it to find out for sure.