Chess for the Fun of It, Brian Harley — 2nd Edition

£9.50

Chess for the Fun of It, Brian Harley — 2nd Edition

Name: Chess for the Fun of It, Brian Harley — 2nd Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4536
Price: 9.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, G. Bell and Sons, Ltd., 1935

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [viii], 170.

Condition Report Poor. A worn, ex-library copy suited primarily as a reading or reference working copy. The binding features a distressed brown back strip over green textured boards; the spine is significantly rubbed with moderate losses to the head and tail, and the joints are tender, directly impacting the volume's overall structural firmness. The lower spine bears a taped institutional shelf-label, with the clear adhesive extending awkwardly onto the boards, significantly detracting from its aesthetic appeal. Internally, the front endpapers show standard institutional markings, including a bold 'WITHDRAWN' stamp and a bookplate for the 'ESSEX COUNTY LIBRARY'. The text block, though entirely complete, firmly attached, and legible, is age-toned throughout, lacking the brightness desired by collectors. The hinges are strained but ultimately holding. Despite the pronounced aesthetic wear, surface-level degradation, and heavy institutional presence, it remains a fully functional, intact volume that firmly warrants its reading-copy status.

Catalogue Note Second edition, being the 1935 reprint of the original 1933 first edition. The text is generously interspersed with in-text chess diagrams to illustrate gameplay and tactical positioning.

Brian Harley (1883–1955) was a prominent British chess problemist and the long-time chess editor of The Observer. The present volume bears the clear provenance of the Essex County Library, complete with standard institutional bookplates and withdrawal stamps denoting its historical circulation.

While early twentieth-century chess manuals of this era remain relatively scarce on the open market, particularly in their original, unadulterated bindings, this heavily used ex-library copy is offered as a robust, working example of an uncommon instructional text.

A classic early twentieth-century guide to the royal game, Chess for the Fun of It offers an engaging and highly accessible entry into the world of chess. Written by acclaimed problemist Brian Harley with the specific aim of demystifying the board for casual players, it covers everything from the initial moves and fundamental attacks to complex endgames and surprise tactics. A charming historical artifact of British chess literature, this book remains a delightful read for both the modern novice and the seasoned enthusiast seeking a nostalgic look at classical chess instruction.

Book Condition: Poor

Book Authors: Brian Harley

Book Publisher: G. Bell and Sons, Ltd.

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Sport & Games

Book edition: Second Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 170

Book Publication Year: 1935

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Cheltenham, 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.