Boxing.- Mendoza (Daniel) Memoirs of the Life...and an Account of the Numerous Contests in which he has been engaged, list of subscribers, folding engraved plate trimmed close and with splits at folds, clean tear to first leaf of subscribers, title a little soiled, occasional foxing and a few minor marginal tears, hinges weak, contemporary half calf, rubbed, spine worn and label chipped, 8vo, Printed for D. Mendoza, by G. Hayden, 1816.

⁂ Mendoza was the first Jewish bare-knuckle champion who, although of relatively small stature (5' 7" and 160lbs) was in prime physical condition and combined a 'scientific' approach to boxing with very rapid, rather than hard, punching to beat his opponents - a great change from the mauling style used up until his time. He defeated Richard Humphries (depicted in the folding plate) and was considered the best heavyweight in England, defending the title twice before losing to 'Gentleman' Jackson in 1795. He wrote The Art of Boxing, published in 1789, considered the first book to discuss ringcraft.

Provenance: Philip S. Henry (bookplate).