Chess & Draughts: How to Play Scientifically, Albert Belasco — 30th Edition

£9.99

Chess & Draughts: How to Play Scientifically, Albert Belasco — 30th Edition

Name: Chess & Draughts: How to Play Scientifically, Albert Belasco — 30th Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4526
Price: 9.99 GBP
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Publication: London, W. Foulsham & Co., Ltd., c. 1945

Formatting: 12mo, pp. 62, [2]. Original printed paper wrappers.

Condition Report: 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.

Catalogue Note: 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.

Though 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.

A 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.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: Albert Belasco

Book Publisher: W. Foulsham & Co., Ltd.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Sport & Games

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages: 64

Book Publication Year: 1945

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Paperback

Illustrator: Rêvy

Book Series: Foulsham's Pocket Library

Country/region of manufacture: Tonbridge, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.