Amongst the books to which I am indebted for my material in my endeavour to draw various phases of life and character in England at the beginning of the century, I would particularly mention Ashton's "Dawn of the Nineteenth Century;" Gronow's "Reminiscences;" Fitzgerald's "Life and Times of George IV.;" Jesse's "Life of Brummell;" "Boxiana;" "Pugilistica;" Harper's "Brighton Road;" Robinson's "Last Earl of Barrymore" and "Old Q.;" Rice's "History of the Turf;" Tristram's "Coaching Days;" James's "Naval History;" Clark Russell's "Collingwood" and "Nelson."
       I am also much indebted to my friends Mr. J. C. Parkinson and Robert Barr for information upon the subject of the ring.
       A. CONAN DOYLE.
       HASLEMERE,
       September 1, 1896.

Preface
Chapter I--Friar's Oak
Chapter II--The Walker of Cliffe Royal
Chapter III--The Play-Actress of Anstey Cross
Chapter IV--The Peace of Amiens
Chapter V--Buck Tregellis
Chapter VI--On the Threshold
Chapter VII--The Hope of England
Chapter VIII--The Brighton Road
Chapter IX--Watier's
Chapter X--The Men of the Ring
Chapter XI--The Fight in the Coach-House
Chapter XII--The Coffee-Room of Fladong's
Chapter XIII--Lord Nelson
Chapter XIV--On the Road
Chapter XV--Foul Play
Chapter XVI--Crawley Downs
Chapter XVII--The Ring-Side
Chapter XVIII--The Smith's Last Battle
Chapter XIX--Cliffe Royal
Chapter XX--Lord Avon
Chapter XXI--The Valet's Story
Chapter XXII--The End