Original 1929 first edition hardcover book Jack Dempsey: The Idol of Fistiana – An Intimate Narrative by Nat Fleischer, founder and editor of The Ring magazine. Part of The Ring Athletic Library (Book No. 5). Includes foreword by Jack Dempsey and numerous illustrations.
Publisher: C.J. O’Brien, New York (1929).
Condition: Good+ overall. Tight binding, clean pages, some age toning. Original dust jacket present with wear and edge tears, rare to find intact.
Excellent early boxing collectible and cornerstone volume for vintage sports or pugilism collectors.
Appraisal Report
Item: Jack Dempsey – The Idol of Fistiana (1929 First Edition)
Author: Nat Fleischer
Publisher: C.J. O’Brien, New York
Series: The Ring Athletic Library – Book No. 5
Year of Publication: 1929
This rare 1929 first edition boxing biography, authored by Nat Fleischer (founder of The Ring
magazine), provides an intimate narrative of heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey’s rise to fame. It
includes a foreword by Dempsey and numerous period illustrations. Copies retaining the original dust
jacket are uncommon and highly desirable among boxing and sports memorabilia collectors.
Condition Assessment:
• Overall Grade: Good+ to Very Good
• Binding: Tight, original cloth intact
• Pages: Clean with light age toning
• Dust Jacket: Present, worn edges and small tears, but complete
• Illustrations: Intact and legible
• Notes: Original 1929 dust jacket significantly increases collector value
Appraised Market Value (2025): $125 – $175 USD
Retail Range: $150 – $200 (depending on buyer and venue)
Condition Without Dust Jacket With Dust Jacket
Fair / Reading Copy $25–40 $60–80
Good $40–60 $100–150
Very Good / Excellent $75–100 $175–250+
Comparable Sales:
• AbeBooks (First Edition, no jacket): Sold $65
• eBay (Good+, with jacket): Sold $140
• Heritage Auctions (Fine, with jacket): Sold $210
This appraisal reflects typical current market trends for early boxing literature and first editions
published by C.J. O’Brien under The Ring Athletic Library imprin