Chess: Rendered Familiar By Tabular Demonstrations of the Various Positions and Movements as Described By Philidor with Many Other Critical Situations and Moves and a Concise Introduction to The Game
London: Bladwin, Cradock and Joy, 1819. 1st. Octavo. [6], 449pp. Frontispiece engraving of two chess players; illustrated with hundreds of chess diagrams. With an introduction to the game by J.G. Pohlman. Original half brown calf and marbled boards; 5 raised bands, gilt decoration and titling on spine. Boards detached; wear to extremities with corners showing; some rubbing to boards; fading to gilt; owner bookplate; owner name in pencil; contents clean with no tears. A scarce title by the best chess player of his age. Item #9941
Born in 1726 in France, Philidor was exposed to chess at the age of 10. At age 15, he began instruction with M. de Kermur, Sire de Legal, the leading French chess player at the time. Philidor soon surpassed his teacher in skill and ability. In 1744, he played two chess games blindfolded, the first time such playing was recorded. He soon began writing about chess and his books were the first to organize the openings, that explained the middlegame, the overall strategy of chess, and the importance of pawn formation.
Price: $100.00