Author: Henry Edward "H E" Bird (1830-1908)
Year: 1877
Publisher: Dean & Son
Place: London
Description:
xiv+248+[1 ad] pages with three fold frontispiece, diagrams and list of subscribers. Octavo (8 1/4" x 5 1/2"). Respined in quarter black leather with gilt stamping, original decorative gilt cloth board. (Betts: 13-18) First edition.
The Cook list also gives an edition published New York, 1880. In the above entry the preface date of 1877 has been used. A survey with original analysis by Bird averaging 12-15 moves in depth. Includes 58 illustrative games taken from his chess masterpieces 1875; also some diagrammed "noteworthy positions" in various openings (positions from actual games), and 11 problems by various composers. The frontispiece has 3 problems by A P Barnes, which are letter problems forming the letters of Bird's initials, HEB.
Bird was an English accountant. He played many tournaments and matches and an opening named after him. He played in the great London tournaments of 1851, 1883 and 1899 and Hastings 1895. His best result was equal to 5th at Vienna in 1873. He lost matches to Steinitz in 1866, Blackburne in 1879 and Lasker in 1890 and 92. He drew a match with Burn in 1886.
Condition:
Front heal corners repaired, first four pages damaged at heal corners and edges affecting text. Over all a good copy.
SOLD 2022