{"product_id":"chess-draughts-how-to-play-scientifically-albert-belasco-30th-edition","title":"Chess \u0026 Draughts: How to Play Scientifically, Albert Belasco — 30th Edition","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication\u003c\/strong\u003e: London, W. Foulsham \u0026amp; Co., Ltd., c. 1945 \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormatting\u003c\/strong\u003e: 12mo, pp. 62, [2]. Original printed paper wrappers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/strong\u003e: Good. An authentic survivor of wartime publishing, this copy remains structurally sound though it bears the hallmarks of its age and fragile production. The original printed paper wrappers show expected edge-wear, minor curling at the corners, and shallow chipping to the spine extremities, yet the vibrant cover illustration by Rêvy remains bright and striking. The binding is intact, though understandably tender in places, indicative of the War Economy Standard materials used. Internally, the pages exhibit characteristic age-toning and mild occasional spotting, primarily affecting the preliminary leaves, but remain largely clean and entirely legible without any egregious tearing. A respectable, complete copy of a delicate, cheaply produced wartime edition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatalogue Note\u003c\/strong\u003e: Produced in strict accordance with the 'Book Production War Economy Standard', as evidenced by the emblematic stamp on the copyright page, this reprint is highly representative of the utilitarian printing methods implemented during the Second World War by Tonbridge Printers Limited. It is profusely illustrated with in-text chessboard and draughts diagrams throughout to aid the reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eThough Belasco's instructional guide was ubiquitous in its day, running through dozens of editions, wartime paperbacks of this nature are notoriously ephemeral. They were cheaply manufactured with inferior paper, widely handled, and rarely preserved, making surviving copies in collectable condition an increasingly scarce piece of mid-century board game history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eA charming mid-century guide aiming to demystify two of the world's most enduring abstract strategy games. Albert Belasco's work provides the novice and intermediate player with foundational rules, classic openings, and engaging problems. Presented in a convenient pocket format, it serves not only as a practical strategic manual but also as a fascinating window into the recreational pastimes that provided vital escapism during the mid-20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54313139700051,"sku":"4526","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260708_110419.jpg?v=1784106725","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/chess-draughts-how-to-play-scientifically-albert-belasco-30th-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}