Author: Robert Lambe (1711–1795) from the library of Lothar Schmid
Year: 1764
Publisher: Sold by E & C Dilly
Place: London
Description:
148 pages with foldout with two figures. Octavo (8 1/2" x 5 1/4") bound in contemporary half leather with black label to spine in gilt lettering over brown boards. From the library of Lothar Schmid. (Whyld & Ravilious 1764:3; ESTC T36359) First edition,
The History of Chess, together with short and plain instructions by which any one may easily play at it without the help of a teacher is a landmark 18th-century chess book written by the English cleric and writer Robert Lambe. First published anonymously in London in 1764 (with subsequent printings in 1765), it holds a significant place in board game literature as the first English-language book dedicated entirely to the history of chess. The work spans 148 pages and is divided into two distinct components: a historical essay tracing the origins of the game across different cultures, followed by a beginner's guide complete with woodcut folding diagrams to teach basic movements and strategy.
Reflecting the scholarship of his era, Lambe attempted to reconstruct where chess came from, blending classical history with early global folklore. True to its lengthy subtitle, the instructional portion was uniquely designed to bypass the traditional need for a personal instructor, making it one of the earliest "self-help" or solo-study manuals for the game.
Lothar Maximilian Lorenz Schmid (10 May 1928 - 18 May 2013) was a German chess grandmaster. He was born in Radebeul near Dresden into a family who were the co-owners of the Karl May Press, which published the German Karl May adventure novels. He was best known as the chief arbiter at several World Chess Championship matches, in particular the 1972 encounter between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky at Reykjavic. He was also an avid collector of chess books and paraphernalia. It was reputed that he owned the largest known private chess library in the world, as well as a renowned collection of chess art, chess boards and chess pieces from around the globe.
Condition:
Schmid's book plate to front pastedown. Foxed, occasional staining, lightly age toned, corners bumped and worn, boards rubbed and scuffed else about very good of a scarce title.