Chess for Fun & Chess for Blood, Edward Lasker — 1st Edition

£24.99

Chess for Fun & Chess for Blood, Edward Lasker — 1st Edition

Name: Chess for Fun & Chess for Blood, Edward Lasker — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4541
Price: 24.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Hollis & Carter, 1952

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 224.

Condition Report: Very Good in a Good dust jacket. The underlying blue cloth boards remain bright and robust, with the silver-gilt lettering to the spine standing clear and unoxidised. The binding is pleasingly tight and square, showing no signs of shelf-leaning, and the corners are remarkably sharp. Internally, the pages exhibit some light, intermittent foxing, predominantly confined to the text-block edges and preliminary leaves, yet they remain largely clean and highly legible throughout. A neat previous ownership date is inscribed in ink to the front free endpaper. The original, unclipped dust jacket is present but shows noticeable wear commensurate with its age, including chipping, small edge tears to the spine ends and corners, and general staining and fading to the spine panel, though it continues to protect the volume and present reasonably well.

Catalogue Note: First published in the United States a decade prior, this 1952 offering represents the first UK edition of Edward Lasker’s celebrated chess treatise. The volume is charmingly illustrated by the Austrian-born artist Maximilian Mopp, whose distinctive sketches provide a whimsical counterbalance to the rigorous strategic analysis within.

The front free endpaper bears a neat ink inscription dated '21.9.57', serving as a pleasing mid-century provenance marker. Copies of this specific UK edition complete with their original dust jackets have become increasingly uncommon on the open market, particularly those that have survived without being extensively annotated by zealous students of the game.

In Chess for Fun & Chess for Blood, International Master Edward Lasker masterfully bridges the gap between the casual enthusiast and the fiercely competitive tournament player. Rather than presenting a dry catalogue of openings and endgames, Lasker infuses his instruction with psychological insight, autobiographical anecdotes, and a deep appreciation for the artistry of the game. He divides his philosophy into two distinct realms: the joyous, intellectual playground of the amateur ('Chess for Fun') and the gruelling, high-stakes battleground of the master ('Chess for Blood'). With its accessible prose and engaging illustrative games, this work remains an enduring classic of chess literature, offering wisdom that resonates both on and off the board.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Edward Lasker

Book Publisher: Hollis & Carter

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Sport & Games

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 224

Book Publication Year: 1952

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Maximilian Mopp

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, 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.