When I read Jon Hurley's first book about bare-knuckle fighting, 'Tom Spring', I was pleasantly surprised, the subject was previously unknown to me. Jon's recent publication, 'Tom Cribb - The Life of the Black Diamond', is a similar delight.

The book is full of wit and Jon reveals his compassion for the fighters, and his knowledge of this very bloodthirsty sport. He has an affectionate admiration for Tom Cribb.

He paints a vivid picture of London in 1791, when the young Cribb, one of seven children, leaves Bristol to go to make his fortune in the capital. He writes:?"Public hangings were the Arsenal versus Chelsea of the day, popular with all classes, but more fun because they hanged the star. In the late 1790s, men were beastly and desirous of beastly entertainment. Ratkilling drew vast audiences." The aristocrats, the Fancy, would have a wager on anything.

Cribb first trained to do bell-hanging, then life as a porter developed his "deep chest, stubby arms and bow legs". He joined the navy and when he returned he gradually got into bare-knuckle fighting.

He was billed against a 50 year old fighter, George Maddox, a novice versus a has-been. By Round 30 Cribb's energy and youth was draining the older man. Round 40 came after over an hour, and it was four to one against Cribb winning. Maddox surrendered in Round 60 and the 'Corinthians' took Cribb to their hearts. He then beat Tom 'Tough' Blake and had an easy victory against Ikey Pick.

Bare-knuckle fight arrangements were dicey, magistrates were always chasing around to find the illegal bouts, so the rings had to be erected and dismantled very quickly. Jon explained how the 'Fancy', those interested in the sport and the betting, followed them around.

When the main fight was cancelled Cribb was not expecting to have to fight. He got very drunk and had to retire in Round 40 against George Nicholls, the only fight he lost.

Cribb's next fight was second on the bill to a fantastic fight between two established fighters, Gully and Pearce, which attracted among the spectators, Lord Byron and the Duke of Clarence. Cribb's bout was undistinguished but he did win. However, at the ringside was his future mentor, Robert Barclay who "fly-kicked him into immortality".

The famous fighter Jem Belcher had lost an eye and fallen on hard times but he was still expected to beat Cribb.

Jon writes: "Barclay engaged lightweight sparring partners to sharpen Cribb's reaction, and improve 'his science'." Belcher was favourite in spite of his one eye and he was quicker and better to start with but by Round 41 Cribb's superior strength prevailed.

With Barclay, Cribb's career progressed and soon he was facing Bob Gregson for the title 'bare-knuckle fighter of all England'.

He beat poor Belcher again and successfully defended his title against the American Tom Molyneaux in two very long fights

When Tom (Winter) Spring came to be his protégée, Cribb had a pub, the Union Arms near Piccadilly which was frequently patronised by Lord Byron. The poet wrote: "We had Tom up after dinner, very facetious, though somewhat prolix."

Tom Spring referred to Cribb as his 'old Dad' and Cribb called the young fighter 'son'. Jon writes about the other young fighters Cribb promoted, but it was obvious that Spring had a special place in the former Champion's heart.

The Prince Regent was also a fan of bare-knuckle fighting and at his coronation he had "a King's bodyguard of eighteen of the best and most respected fighters of England" including Cribb and Spring.

The story goes on to Cribb's death and Pierce Egan, who wrote about the fighting said: "?No pugilist ever retired from the ring with such favours heaped upon him."

Jon Hurley has triumphed once again showing his understanding of the struggle the fighters had to make something out of this often cruel and gruelling sport. The centre of the book has fascinating illustrations and there is a useful bibliography at the end.

Anyone who enjoyed 'Tom Spring', will appreciate 'Tom Cribb - The Life of the Black Diamond'. The book is published by The History Press and it is available from Ross Books in Broad Street at a price of £18.99.