Gisclair to discuss New Orleans boxing

S. Derby Gisclair, author of “The Olympic Club of New Orleans: Epicenter of Professional Boxing, 1883 - 1897,” will discuss his new endeavor at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

Gisclair dares readers to “imagine a sporting arena that could accommodate more than 10,000 spectators, with a retractable roof and whose interior was brilliantly lit with both high-intensity arc lights as well as incandescent lighting fixtures throughout; an arena that was wired for both telegraph and telephone connections to accommodate the international press.”

In the late 19th century New Orleans was a mecca for professional and amateur boxers despite city and state regulations that expressly prohibited prizefighting. 

Gisclair is a frequent speaker on sports history of New Orleans and has authored more than 100 articles on local and regional sports personalities and events. His previous books include "Baseball in New Orleans" and "Baseball at Tulane University," both from Arcadia Publishing. He also authored "Early Baseball in New Orleans: A History of 19th Century Play." Gisclair lives in New Orleans.

For more information regarding this event, contact Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming for the library, at 504-889-8143 orwcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.

Louisiana Book News is written by award-winning author Chere Dastugue Coen, who writes Louisiana romances and mysteries under the pen name of Cherie Claire. Her first book in each series is FREE to download as an ebook, including "Emilie," book one of The Cajun Series, "Ticket to Paradise," book one of The Cajun Embassy series and "A Ghost of a Chance," the first Viola Valentine mystery.