The Chess-Player's Hand-Book; Containing a Full Account of the Game of Chess, and the Best Mode of Playing it

Anonymous. The Author of Hand-Books of Etiquette, Conversation, the Toilette, Courtship and Marriage, etc.

Published by George S. Appleton, Philadelphia, 1849

About this Item

This is the third book on chess published in the United States. It is exceedingly rare in commerce. This is the only copy that has been offered at a recorded auction (twice). One other copy in poor condition was sold many years ago on eBay. Condition: Very Good BOOK INFO Published in 1849 by George Appleton in Philadelphia. First edition, first printing. In its beautiful publisher speckled two-color green cloth binding with chess pieces devices and floral and wreath patterns tooled in gilt on the front cover and a mirror image of this design tooled in blind on the back cover. Gilt spine lettering and decoration. All page edges gilt. Pocketbook sized: 4.5" x 3 3/8". Collated and complete: [viii], 9-64 pp. Topics include history of chess, rules, hints, openings, specific openings like Queen's Gambit and King's Gambit, terms and an annotated match game from the 1820s in Edinburgh. CONDITION REPORT The book is in Very Good antique collectible condition. Firmly bound, rear hinge just starting to crack. Cloth is colorful and fresh. Gilt is glossy. Spine is sun-darkened. Rubbing to spine tips and bumped corners. Grubby extremities. Toned pages with splotches of foxing or smudging. Owner name inscribed in both ink and in pencil on front pastedown, same name, different inscriber. A few odd marks, text corrections. Page 26 with pencil underlining and marginalia which notes "So there may be as many pawns as queens" when noting the rule how pawns can be promoted on the 8th rank. All in all, a very nice collectible copy of a rare, early American book on chess.

Seller Inventory # 358

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Chess-Player's Hand-Book; Containing a Full Account of the Game of Chess, and the Best Mode of Playing it
• Publisher: George S. Appleton, Philadelphia
• Publication Date: 1849
• Binding: Decorated publisher's cloth
• Edition: First edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 0.7 pounds
• Seller catalogs:
  • Americana
  • Sport and Leisure
  • Antique (1800-1920s)