Study Chess with Tal, Mikhail Tal and Alexander Koblenc — 1st English Edition

£135.00

Study Chess with Tal, Mikhail Tal and Alexander Koblenc — 1st English Edition

Name: Study Chess with Tal, Mikhail Tal and Alexander Koblenc — 1st English Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4545
Price: 135.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, B.T. Batsford Ltd, 1981

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 188.

Condition Report: Very Good. The limp cover binding remains notably tight, straight, and structurally sound, completely lacking the severe reading creases so often found in chess paperbacks of this era. The striking orange gloss covers are predominantly bright, though the spine exhibits moderate, even sun-fading typical of this specific pigment. There is minor rubbing to the extremities and slight corner bumping, but no significant edge-wear, tears, or structural flaws. Internally, the text block is exceptionally square and clean. The page margins show a faint, uniform age-toning consistent with the paper stock used in the early 1980s, but the pages remain entirely free from the aggressive oxidation or heavy foxing that frequently afflicts similar volumes. Completely devoid of internal markings, highlighting, or dog-eared corners, this copy presents as a highly functional, well-preserved survivor of a typically heavily-handled study text.

Catalogue Note: This is the First English Edition (published 1981), translated by Mike Price from the original 1978 German publication (Schachtraining mit Exweltmeister Tal) and edited by John Littlewood. It was issued as part of Batsford’s esteemed "The Club Player's Library" series, presented here in its original limp binding.

The text is well-illustrated throughout, featuring 93 chess diagrams to complement the profound analytical insights.

Original Batsford chess publications from this era, particularly those in such well-preserved condition, have become quite scarce on the open market. Unmarked, non-ex-library copies such as this represent a premium acquisition for the dedicated chess practitioner and collector alike.

A masterclass in attacking chess, Study Chess with Tal offers an unparalleled glimpse into the mind of the "Magician from Riga." Based directly on the training diaries of Alexander Koblenc, Mikhail Tal’s long-time coach, the book features 40 of Tal’s most brilliant games, systematically analysed to teach the practical mechanics of top-level play. Designed to actively challenge the reader with 91 carefully structured questions interwoven throughout the text, this dynamic book encourages the student to apply the same imaginative, full-blooded thought processes that propelled Tal to the World Championship in 1960.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Mikhail Tal and Alexander Koblenc

Book Publisher: B.T. Batsford Ltd

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Sport & Games

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 188

Book Publication Year: 1981

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Softcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: The Club Player's Library

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.