Instructive Positions from Master Chess, J. Mieses — 4th Impression
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Publication: London, G. Bell & Sons, Ltd., 1938
Formatting: 12mo, pp. [iv], 76.
Condition Report: Good. The book remains securely bound and mechanically sound, though it presents with the expected superficial wear of an older, jacketless book. The most notable imperfection is the pronounced sunning to the spine, which has browned the pale green cloth, slightly obscuring the publisher's imprint at the foot, and extending marginally onto the board edges. There is a gentle outward bow to the front board, likely resulting from humidity over the decades, alongside minor rubbing to the extremities. Internally, the pages are remarkably bright and tidy, free from significant foxing or oxidisation, retaining crisp, legible typography and clearly printed chess diagrams throughout.
Catalogue Note: This is the 1938 fourth impression of Jacques Mieses's classic manual, originally issued by G. Bell & Sons. Bound in the publisher's original pale green cloth, this edition serves as a handsome testament to the enduring popularity of Mieses's teachings in the pre-war era. The text block is generously illustrated with clear, traditional chess diagrams corresponding to the documented matches.
While secondary pre-war impressions of Bell’s chess titles are relatively common on the open market, they remain highly sought after by collectors and practical players alike for their historical charm and clarity. This copy is offered without the rare original dust jacket.
Compiled by the formidable chess master Jacques Mieses, Instructive Positions from Master Chess offers an accessible yet profound anthology of 125 critical board scenarios drawn directly from competitive play. Divided into sections on openings, middle-games, and endgames, Mieses intentionally selected scenarios that provide immediate tactical amusement alongside deep instructional value. It remains an excellent, didactic tool designed for players wishing to sharpen their intuition without wading through heavy, systematic theoretical treatises.
Book Condition: Good
Book Authors: J. Mieses
Book Publisher: G. Bell & Sons, Ltd.
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Non-Fiction
Genre: Sport & Games
Book edition:
Signed: No
Book Pages: 80
Book Publication Year: 1938
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: N/A
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: Norwich, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| 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. |
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