Chess Fundamentals, J. R. Capablanca — 1956 Reprint

£24.99

Chess Fundamentals, J. R. Capablanca — 1956 Reprint

Name: Chess Fundamentals, J. R. Capablanca — 1956 Reprint
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4530
Price: 24.99 GBP
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Publication: London, G. Bell and Sons Ltd, 1956

Formatting: Crown 8vo, pp. 184.

Condition Report: Very Good. The book is bound in its original red publisher's cloth, which remains structurally sound with a tight, square, and secure binding. The spine exhibits moderate sun-fading, a typical occurrence for this dye, though the black lettering and publisher's device remain crisp and perfectly legible. The boards show minimal shelf-wear, largely restricted to faint bumping at the spine ends and a negligible shadow of sticker residue to the lower right corner of the rear board. Internally, the text block is exceptionally clean and bright; it is free from foxing, moisture damage, or significant blemishes. The closed page edges show only light, even toning consistent with the book's age, culminating in a highly presentable and robust copy.

Catalogue Note: This is a 1956 reprint of the reset and re-issued 1951 Crown 8vo edition of Capablanca's seminal chess manual, originally published in 1921. Regarded as a cornerstone of chess literature, the work distils the strategic genius of the third World Chess Champion into enduring lessons, accompanied throughout by numerous in-text chessboard diagrams detailing complex strategies and historic matches.

Notably, this copy bears the iconic, faint purple ink stamp of W. & G. Foyle Ltd., the historic booksellers of Charing Cross Road, London, neatly placed at the foot of the copyright page. This small detail serves as a charming piece of mid-century London bookselling provenance. Early post-war reprints by G. Bell and Sons, especially those preserving clean, unmarked internals, remain highly desirable among both practical players and collectors of vintage chess literature.

First published in 1921, Chess Fundamentals by José Raúl Capablanca is widely celebrated as one of the most accessible and instructive chess manuals ever written. Rather than relying on rote memorisation, Capablanca breaks down the core principles of the game, guiding the reader sequentially through essential endgames, middle-game planning, and opening principles. Supported by meticulously annotated games from his own illustrious career, this enduring classic offers timeless, foundational instruction that will elevate the play of novices and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: J. R. Capablanca

Book Publisher: G. Bell and Sons Ltd

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Sport & Games

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages: 184

Book Publication Year: 1956

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardback

Illustrator: N/A

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.