The Grand International Centennial Chess congress, held in Philadelphia in August, 1876, during the Celebration of the American Centennial
The Grand International Centennial Chess congress, held in Philadelphia in August, 1876, during the Celebration of the American Centennial
The Grand International Centennial Chess congress, held in Philadelphia in August, 1876, during the Celebration of the American Centennial
The Grand International Centennial Chess congress, held in Philadelphia in August, 1876, during the Celebration of the American Centennial
The Grand International Centennial Chess congress, held in Philadelphia in August, 1876, during the Celebration of the American Centennial
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  • Load image into Gallery viewer, The Grand International Centennial Chess congress, held in Philadelphia in August, 1876, during the Celebration of the American Centennial
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, The Grand International Centennial Chess congress, held in Philadelphia in August, 1876, during the Celebration of the American Centennial
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, The Grand International Centennial Chess congress, held in Philadelphia in August, 1876, during the Celebration of the American Centennial
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, The Grand International Centennial Chess congress, held in Philadelphia in August, 1876, during the Celebration of the American Centennial

The Grand International Centennial Chess congress, held in Philadelphia in August, 1876, during the Celebration of the American Centennial

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Author: William Henry Sayen (1846-1921)

Year: 1876

Publisher: Claxton, Remsen and Haffelfinger

Place: Philadelphia

Description:

ix+199 pages with tables. Small octavo (7 1/2" x 5 1/4") bound in original publisher's dark brown cloth with gilt lettering to spine and blind stamped decorative ruled covers. Annotations by Jacob Elson, B M Neill and W H Sayen. (Betts: 25-11, (Bibliotheca Van der Linde-Niemeijeriana:5203) First edition.

At the occasion of the World's Fair held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States of America, a number of exhibitions and events were organized to take place during the fair in order to attract foreign interests and representatives to American soil. In addition to many wondrous inventions debuted at the fair, including such curiosities as the telegraph, the telephone, and the typewriter, the 4th American Chess Congress was held. It was the perfect opportunity, not only to attract foreign chess masters but also to celebrate the US centennial.

Nine American chess players, some of whom had only taken up residence in the United States only recently, participated in the tournament through registering the $20 entrance fee. The complete list of participants included Lorenzo Barbour, Henry Edward Bird (originally from England), Harry Davidson, Jacob Elson, Max Judd, Dion Martinez (originally from Cuba), James Mason (originally from Ireland), Albert Roberts, and Preston Ware. Martinez played Davidson and Mason (in two double rounds), but went back to Cuba when an illness in his family became known to him. His four games were expunged from the final standings, but are included.

The organization of games and format for timing and pairing were still unstandardized at this time, so players often ended up completing and playing additional games in their pairings on the same day. The dates for each game's completion is discriminating. Play had been scheduled to begin on August 15th, but was delayed to August 16th. All games were played through to August 31st, 1876, with Sundays reserved as rest days.

The organization of games and format for timing and pairing were still unstandardized at this time, so players often ended up completing and playing additional games in their pairings on the same day. While the format below does not follow any clear separation of rounds, the dates for each game's completion is discriminating. Play had been scheduled to begin on August 15th, but was delayed to August 16th. All games were played through to August 31st, 1876, with Sundays reserved as rest days.

Condition:

First free end paper lacking, second end paper with previous owner's name in small neat ink, corners bumped and rubbed, spine ends rubbed with head partially chipped else very good.