Studies of Chess; Containing Caissa, a Poem... — First Edition

Publication: London, Samuel Bagster, 1803

Formatting: 8vo, 2 vols. in 1, complete with frontispiece.

Condition Report: Very Good. A pleasing, complete, and structurally sound copy. The period panelled calf binding remains firm, with secure joints despite moderate rubbing and scuffing to the extremities, particularly at the spine ends and corners. The gilt tooling to the spine, including the 'Studies in Chess' titling, is slightly dulled but remains legible. The contrasting inlaid panels on the boards show surface wear consistent with age, yet present handsomely. Internally, the binding is tight. The text block is largely clean, with typical mild age-toning and sporadic instances of light foxing, most notably offsetting from the frontispiece to the title page. The marbled endpapers and page edges retain much of their original decorative character, though slightly faded. An attractive, well-preserved survivor in a highly appealing contemporary binding.

Catalogue Note: First Edition, Two Volumes Bound in One. Edited anonymously by Peter Pratt, this 1803 compilation is highly prized by collectors as it incorporates the entirety of François-André Danican Philidor's seminal Analyse du jeu des Échecs into English, alongside Sir William Jones's renowned allegorical poem, "Caissa," and Pratt's own introductory theory. Philidor, widely considered the greatest chess player of his age, shaped modern chess theory, and this work served as a standard manual for over a century.

This copy is complete with the copperplate engraved frontispiece depicting a chessboard and pieces, both title pages, and the publisher's advertisement leaf at the rear. It is presented in an attractive contemporary panelled calf binding (sometimes referred to as Cambridge style) with a contrasting inlaid border, a charming period feature.

Copies of the true 1803 first edition in contemporary bindings are increasingly scarce on the open market, as many surviving examples have either been broken up or heavily rebound.

A cornerstone of chess literature, Studies of Chess is a magnificent early 19th-century anthology that brings together the tactical genius of François-André Danican Philidor and the romantic mythology of Sir William Jones. Edited by Peter Pratt, this work features Philidor's complete, groundbreaking analysis of the game, which pioneered the strategic importance of pawns, alongside Jones's famous poem "Caissa," which immortalised the goddess of chess. This 1803 first edition provides an unparalleled glimpse into the golden age of chess theory, offering both historical instruction and enduring literary charm for the serious enthusiast.