The Tragic Life and Short Chess Career of James A. Leonard, 1841-1862 - Softcover

Hilbert, John S.

 
9780786495535: The Tragic Life and Short Chess Career of James A. Leonard, 1841-1862
Softcover
ISBN 10: 0786495537 ISBN 13: 9780786495535
Publisher: McFarland, 2014

Synopsis

The Civil War affected the entire American landscape in ways not always fully considered. It determined the political future of a nation--but also its scientific and cultural development. The war cost America many of its best and brightest in every realm. James A. Leonard was one such loss: a brilliant up-and-coming chess player in 1861-62 before he made the decision to serve his country during wartime.

Born November 6, 1841, Leonard was the son of a poor Irish immigrant--but even a poor child could play the game of kings. He grew up in a time when interest in chess was experiencing a revival, and contemporaries such as Paul Morphy, Eugene Delmar and Leonard's mentor Philip Richardson captured much interest. Leonard defeated a number of the country's best players and was widely viewed as the "New Morphy."

This biography discusses what is known of Leonard's life but concentrates primarily on his talent and his sadly shortened career. Game scores and diagrams from 96 games are included, with details of place, date and opponents.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author

John S. Hilbert, a retired senior attorney with the Social Security Administration living in Buffalo, New York, has written 16 chess books and over 100 articles on chess biography and history, winning multiple national and international awards.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Publisher
McFarland
Publication date
2014
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0786495537
ISBN 13 
9780786495535
Binding
Paperback
Number of pages
223