D. R. Wakefield

Finely bound signed artist copy of Wakefield's Pugilistica Judaica.

• D. R. Wakefield (Canadian).
• Pugilistica Judaica: Jewish Prize-fighters in London 1785-1840. 
• (Goole, East Yorkshire): The Chevington Press, 2006.
• [22] leaves.
• Etched frontispiece with 14 etched portraits and a number of smaller etchings throughout.
• Limited edition of 55, this being number 14.
• Signed by Wakefield to colophon.
• Bound in red quarter-goatskin binding with paste paper boards, paper title label to front board and gilt spine lettering.
• Housed in gray cloth clamshell box with red spine label.

Pulling from scanty historical sources about the identities of prize fighters in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, D. R. Wakefield presents brief biographical vignettes of 14 Jewish prize fighters during a 55-year period. Through the personal stories of the fighters, Wakefield also throws some light on the culture of prize fighting in the period; and through their heavy, deeply-embossed portraits, he almost simulates the impact of a blow. An enthralling production.