Chess Theory from Stamma to Steinitz, 1735-1894
Summary
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Chess Theory from Stamma to Steinitz, 1735-1894 by Frank Hoffmeister
Most chess biographies present the games of famous players--but not their writings. Filling that gap, this book begins with Syrian master and author of chess studies Philip Stamma, and finishes with the first world champion William Steinitz. The main novelties in opening, middlegame and endgame theory in the 160 year period are examined and biographical sketches put the contributions of more than 30 masters into context. The author presents many new insights--for example, regarding the origins of the Ponziani Opening, the Dutch Defense and the Petroff Defense. French star La Bourdonnais used other sources for almost every part of his Nouveau Traite. Morphy's analysis of the Philidor Defense was faulty and Anderssen's play included many positional ideas. Harrwitz and Neumann published modern treatises long before Steinitz came out with his Modern Chess Instructor. Many ending themes belong to less well-known authors, such as Cozio, Chapais, van Zuylen van Nyevelt, Sarratt, Kling and Horwitz, Berger and Salvio.
“[A] monumental work…Through a meticulous examination of developments in chess over the 160 years…the author provides invaluable insight into frequently overlooked contributions which form the core of so much of what we think we know today…Hoffmeister has performed an immeasurable service to all interested in chess by rendering that foreign country recognizable and even familiar”—British Chess Magazine
“Excellent...well illustrated...a necessary purchase for any chess library.”—Kingpin Chess Magazine
“Excellent...well illustrated...a necessary purchase for any chess library.”—Kingpin Chess Magazine
A European Union official and professor of international economic law, Frank Hoffmeister was several times finalist of the German amateur chess championship. Between 2009 and 2020 he served as president of Europchess, the club of the European institutions in Brussels, and published several reviews of chess history books in the journal Schach. He lives in Kraainem, Belgium.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781476680712 |
| ISBN 10 | 147668071X |
| Title | Chess Theory from Stamma to Steinitz, 1735-1894 |
| Author | Frank Hoffmeister |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | McFarland |
| Year published | 2022-12-07 |
| Number of pages | 492 |
| Prizes | Runner-up for Book of the Year Award—Chess Journalists of America 2023 (United States) |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |