Chess

Moravian Chess, Olomouc, 2005 reprint of 1974 first edition. Cloth, 8vo, 27 cm,. Fine. xix, 659 pp. This work lists, with bibliographical detail, and analyses of contents, the works on the game of chess published in the English language between 1850 and 1968. Works originally published before 1850 but reprinted, or, in the case of periodical publications, continued, in or after that date are also included, so that the several significant and influential works of the 1830s and 1840s are not omitted. The coverage includes all facets of chess play, records of matches, tournaments and the games of individual players, works on, arnd collections of, chess problems, historical works, periodicals... and other serial publications, works on the games derived from chess and. Literary works in which reference to chess is made. The coverage excludes compendiums of games (e.g. Royle) which include chess sections, general encyclopaedias (e.g. Britannica), dictionaries and other reference works which include chess articles, magazine articles unless in book form (there are a few exceptions to this general rule, such as comprehensive chess periodical coverage of a chess tournament), programme. Of chess events, unpublished manuscripts, works specifically on oriental games with similarities to chess (unless derived from chess), and publications, such as rules, relevant only to a particular club or society. Within these defined limits this work aims to be comprehensive. A separate entry is not, however, made for every identical reprint; one printing, usually the first, of an edition is selected for detailed analysis and description and reprint dates are noted in the entry." - from the introduction. more

New York: D. Appleton, 1848. First printing. Hardcover. Good. Small octavo in original red decorative publisher's cloth with gilt ornamentation of chess problem on front board. Contains four illustrated plates, including frontispiece, with numerous diagrams of problems and scenarios. Colonel Agnel taught at West Point and formed the school's first chess club in 1845. xiv + 509pp. Boards rubbed, with some chipping at extremities and a partial closed 2" tear separating the backstrip from the front panel. Pages heavily foxed throughout. Binding intact and relatively solid, except for a single loose leaf at page 299. Previous owner's signature to ffep. Overall a good copy.