Historic Newspapers: Search Results
One of the earliest appearances...
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1787
* Benjamin Franklin - Morals of Chess
* re. U.S. Constitution - George Washington
The most notable content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals Of Chess, By Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia", which takes nearly two pages. The article begins: "The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life are to be acquired & strengthened by it..." with much, much more.…
NEW YORK HERALD, Nov. 16, 1858
* Early game of Chess controversy
* Paul Morphy & Howard Staunton
The last column on the front page has: "The Great Chess Tournament In Europe", with more than 2 1/2 columns regarding Paul Morphy's travel to Europe in 1858 to play Harry Staunton (a match which never took place), and an account of their correspondence related to what is now referred to as the Staunton-Morphy controversy.
A great issue for those who collect historic chess memorabilia.
Eight pages, a…
LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 12, 1997
* AI - artificial intelligence takes a giant leap forward
* IBM's supercomputer "Deep Blue" defeats Garry Kasparov
* First computer victory in match vs. a world chess champion
The front-page has the historic reporting of the 1st time a computer defeated a world chess champion in chess: "It's Kasparov Who's Blue After Defeat" with subheading: "World champion accuses IBM of targeting him after he loses $1.1-million match to computer, with a corresponding photo showing…
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792
* Benjamin Franklin - morals of chess
By far the most significant content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals of Chess. By Dr. Franklin", which takes 2 1/2 pages. Note: This essay was first printed in the Columbian Magazine in the Dec. 1786 issue. Regardless, this contemporary printing is among the few publications which printed the essay which is highly desirable among those who collect items related to the history of chess.…
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, September 25, 1858
* Paul Morphy - American chess champion
* Early Salt Lake City, Utah view
The prime print would be the great and displayable full page view of: "Salt Lake City, from the Observatory of the Council House" being one of the earlier views of Salt Lake City to be had in any periodical. The condition of this print is quite nice (see).
The front page shows: "Rev. Samuel I. Prime, D.D." with text on him. Inside includes two illustrations on:…
ROTOGRAVURE PICTURE SECTION only of the New York Times, Nov. 14, 1920
* Samuel Reshevsky - American chess grandmaster
* As a 9 year old Polish chess prodigy photo
At the bottom of the front page is a period photo of a young Samuel Reshevsky with brief text that begins with: "Nice Years Old, the Polish Boy Chess Wizard...." (see)
Other topics throughout. Complete rotogravure section only with all 8 pages, irregular along the spine, minor margin wear, generally nice.
PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, March 28, 1857.
* Chess
As noted in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage", this is a volume 1 issue of a very early sporting publication. Near the back of the issue is a column entitled: "Our Chess Department", which includes a chess "problem of the week" in addition to the solution to the problem from the week prior.
This issue also has other sporting reports including boxing (Fistiana), Equestrianism,…
Discounted by 50% (as shown) through Thursday, July 16, 2026!
PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, April 4, 1857.
* Chess
As noted in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage", this is a volume II issue of a very early sporting publication. Near the back of the issue is a column entitled: "Our Chess Department", which includes a chess "problem of the week" in addition to the solution to the problem from the week prior.
This issue also has other sporting reports including boxing (Fistiana), Equestrianism,…
NEW-YORK TIMES, August 18, 1867
* The game of Chess
* Post civil war reporting
On the back page under "Chess" is a report:
* The Late Match Between Detroit & New-York
Includes the position of the opposing forces at the time of the "abandonment" of the game, mentioning that it "...forms a very fine study..." Also has another report: "American Players At The Paris Chess Concert".
Other news of the day throughout. Page has printing creases in unrelated content.
THE NEW YORK TIMES, January 7, 1937
* Alexander Alekhine wins in chess
* International masters' tournament
* Russian and French chess grandmaster
The sport's section (page 26) has a two column heading: "Alekhine Wins First Chess Prize, With Fine Runner-Up at Hastings" with subhead and photo. (see) I suspect this is one of the few publications to report this particular event as other titles in our inventory do not.
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in 44 pages,…
Chess Player's Chronicle...
SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, newspaper from New York City, dated in 1847. There is much reporting on sports of the day, as this newspaper is subtitled: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Agriculture, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage." An interesting feature is the back page which contains a column titled "Chess Player's Chronicle" which illustrates a particular chess situation, plus other specifics as well (see photos). You get the complete 12 page issue, scattered browning throughout; generally nice…
WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, NY, March 1, 1862.
* Chess
This issue contains an article entitled: "Our Chess Department", which includes a "problem of the week" and the answer to the previous weeks' problem.
Some Civil War reports can also be found as well as other sports items, including boxing, horse racing, and cricket. Complete in 16 pages, a little margin wear with some archival mends to the lower blank margin, generally good.
THE CLEVELAND LEADER, Ohio, February 21, 1879
* Human Chess
* People as pieces
* Lancaster PA Pennsylvania
This uncommon 8 page issue has news of the day with several interesting advertisements throughout.
The front page has one column headings: "A Remarkable Chess Game" and "Played With Living Pieces". See image for text here.
Complete in nice condition.
THE NEW YORK TIMES, February 18, 1883
* Wilhelm Steinitz - chess champion
* Wins blindfolded
This 12 page newspaper has one column headings on page 7 "Steinitz's Great Memory" and "He Wins Three Out Of Four Games Of Chess Blindfolded". See photos for text here.
Other news of the day. Light browning, a little margin wear and tear, otherwise good. Should be handled with care.
SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, May 7, 1870
* 19th century baseball & chess
It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, and the Stage".
Close to half of page 4 is taken up with: "The Base Ball Field" which includes text and box scores for 3 games, but also includes a list of: "The Professional Club Nines....a list of the professional players of the prominent clubs:" Also other baseball-related articles beyond the games.
Another page has: "Our Chess Department" which…
SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, May 28, 1870
* 19th century baseball & chess
It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, and the Stage".
Page 4 has half a column headed: "The Base Ball Field" which includes various reports on recent baseball games.
Another page has: "Our Chess Department" which includes an illustration.
Sixteen pages, 11 by 15 1/4 inches, very nice condition.
PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, January 24, 1857
* Early chess
* Sports
Described in the masthead as: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage." A volume I issue (number 21). Columns inside include: "Our Chess Department" & "The Ladies' Column".
Other topics with much on various sports through out this 16 page issue that is in good condition.
THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Mass., July 21, 1972
* World Chess Championship (1972)
* Bobby Fischer vs. Boris Vasilievich Spassky
* First American to eventually win (game 5)
The front page has a two column heading: "Fischer Wins Fifth Game" with photo of the two playing. First report coverage continues on page 2 with move by move description and illustration of the board. (see images) Report on Bobby Fischer winning game 5 of the World chess championship vs. Spassky.
I suspect this to be an…
THE NEW YORK TIMES, June 18, 1929
* Alexander Alekhine wins chess tournament
* Russian and French chess grandmaster
The sport's section (page 27) has a one column heading: "ALEKHINE IS FIRST IN SPECIAL EVENT" with subhead. (see) I suspect this is one of the few publications to report this particular event as other titles in our inventory do not.
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in 60 pages, light toning and minor wear at the margins, generally very nice.
WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, May 24, 1862.
* Boxing
* Chess
This newspaper, which was primarily a sporting newspaper, has a quite lengthy article headed: "The Ring in England" features the "Conclusion of a Fight Between Gannon and Hatton". An additional subhead discusses a fight between Cook and Kenny.
Another article found within this issue and entitled: "Our Chess Department" includes a "problem of the week" and the answer to the previous weeks' problem.
This 16 page…
Discounted by 50% (as shown) through Thursday, July 16, 2026!
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, September 25, 1858 The prime print would be the great and displayable full page view of: "Salt Lake City, from the Observatory of the Council House" being one of the earlier views of Salt Lake City to be had in any periodical.
The front page shows: "Rev. Samuel I. Prime, D.D." with text on him. Inside includes two illustrations on: "The Army of Occupation on Staten Island". A nice print of: "Paul Morphy, the Chess Champion" and of the "Course of the Comet Through…
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 16, 1886 Front full pg. Nast illus. entitled: "A Good Spirit to Follow." Inside are two 1/4 pg. portraits of "James W. Husted, Speaker of the New York Assembly" and "Edmund L. Pitts, President Pro Tem. of New York Senate." One-third pg. illus. of "The Match for the Chess Championship." Small portrait of "Peter M. Arthur." 1/2 pg. illus. of "Banking Up for Winter in Dakota."
Doublepage centerfold of "The United States Senate." Full pg. illus. of "Civil…
Please Read Note Concerning HW Images & Supplements!
ALERT: Even "1st-rate" Jan. & Dec. HW's have more than typical wear/foxing, and are priced accordingly.
THE NEW YORK TIMES, Aug. 28 1972
* Bobby Fischer to win World title
* 1st American to achieve this
* Boris Vasilievich Spassky
Near the bottom of the front page has a two column heading: "Fischer Nears Title With Draw Against Spassky in Game No. 19" with photo of the two playing. (see) More on page 33. Coverage on Bobby Fischer near the World chess championship title which would happen a few days later.
Complete with 46 pages, generally in very nice condition.
SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, June 11, 1870 It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, and the Stage".
Page 6 has reports headed: "The Base Ball Field" which includes various notes and news items on baseball.
Another page has: "Our Chess Department" which includes an illustration.
Sixteen pages, 11 by 15 1/4 inches, very nice condition.
SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, June 25, 1870 It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, and the Stage".
Page 5 has a full column headed: "The Base Ball Field" which includes reports on two baseball games as well as reports and news items on the sport.
The same page has: "Our Chess Department" which includes an illustration.
Sixteen pages, 11 by 15 1/4 inches, very nice condition.
SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, May 21, 1870 It is subtitled in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, and the Stage".
Page 4 has a full column headed: "The Base Ball Field" which includes text and charts for 4 games. Also other baseball-related articles beyond the games.
Another page has: "Our Chess Department" which includes an illustration.
Sixteen pages, 11 by 15 1/4 inches, very nice condition.
THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Mass., July 24, 1972
* World Chess Championship (1972)
* Bobby Fischer vs. Boris Vasilievich Spassky
* First American to eventually win (game 6)
The front page has a two column heading: "Fischer Surprise Sinks Spassky" First report coverage continues on page 2 with move by move description and illustration of the board. (see images)
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the time.
Complete with 28 pages, a…
THE NEW YORK TIMES, March 24, 1927
* Jose Capablanca wins tournament
* Famous Cuban chess player
The sport's section (page 28) has one column headings: "ALEKHINE IN DRAW, WINS SECOND PRIZE" "Divides With Capablanca, Victor of Tourney, in Last Round to Clinch Place" and more with standings and play by play graph. (see)
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day including reporting on Babe Ruth hitting 2 home runs in a pre season baseball game. Complete in 52 pages, archival mend…
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 9, 1858 The front page features a print of: "The Steamship Austria, Burned at Sea September 13, 1858" with accompanying article plus two more full page scenes inside.
Two halfpg. prints are of British Columbia: "Fort Langley, Frazer's River" and "Fort Yale and the Gold Hunter's Camp, Frazer's River". There is also a print of: "Mr. Paul Morphy in the Act of Playing Eight Games of Chess...", he being a very famous chess player.
A half page is an early…
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 12, 1897 Full front page illus. of "The Situation in Eastern Turkey." Inside is a full pg. of illus. of "Players in the International Chess Match Between the British of commons and the United States House of Representatives." 2/3 pg. illus. of "Scenes at the Launc;h of the 'Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grosse,' the Largest Ship in the World."
Full pg. of illus. of "With the Cuban Insurgents - The Battle of La Majagua." Full pg. illus. of "Irrigation in Colorado -…
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, November 13, 1858 The front page features the article and illustration: 'The New Brick Church in Fifth Avenue, New York'.
Inside: "The Late Election" article features two nearly half page illustrations: "Mayor Tiemann's Race to the Voting Place..." and "The Voting Place...". Over a half page illustration: "Paul Morphy Playing Eight Games of Chess without Seeing the Boards" accompanies the article "Paul Morphy in Paris".
A full page Winslow Homer print: 'Husking…
HARPER'S WEEKLY Dec. 19, 1874 Nice fullpg: "Children Who Go To Public Schools" & "Children Who Do Not Go To Our Public Schools" shows dramatically different results! Very nice fullpg: "The Chicago Fire Dept." shows 5 men & 4 scenes. Ftpg "Shall Teacher's Salaries be Lowered?" by Nast. 3/4 pg "The Chess-Players". Two full pg "Children Who Go to Our Public Schools" and "Children Who Do Not Go to Our Public Schools". Political cartoon by Nast on backpage.
Complete in sixteen pages.
Please Read Note Concerning HW Images & Supplements!
ALERT: Even "1st-rate" Dec. & Jan. HW's have more than typical wear/foxing, and are priced accordingly.
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 27, 1889. Front full pg. illus. of "What, Dat Hat, Miss Sally! Indignantly Lifting the insulted hat out of the Box and Holding it up for Us to Look At." Inside is a full pg. illus. of "The First League Game of Baseball of the Season." Several small portraits of "The Leaders in the International Chess Tournament." 2/3 pg. illus. of "The Grant Relics." Full pg. illus. of "Washington Relics at the Centennial Loan Exhibition." 1/3 pg. illus. of "The Bursted Boom."…
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 3, 1865 The front page is a cartoonish print concerning the end of the Civil War captioned: 'Check-Mate!' showing Jeff. Davis playing a game of chess with Uncle Sam, with war generals as the playing pieces.
Inside has a one-third page showing the various men involved in the: "Trial of the Conspirators--Pencil Sketches from Our Artist's Sketch-Book" including the accused save for Mrs. Surratt. Also: "Paroling Rebel Prisoners at Greensborough, North Carolina"…
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 5, 1910
The front page of this issue has a photo of "Where the Paris Floods Did Their Worst."
There are photos of "The Flooded Section of Paris" and "A Superior Representative of 'The Inferior Sex.'" Also in this issue is an article and photos of "Canada's Athletic Prowess" and the double page illustration is of "The Political Chess-Board" by Kemble. There is also a full page illustration of "The Posse" by Augus MacDonall plus photos of "Thomas A.…
THE NEW YORK TIMES, April 30, 1935
* Samuel Reshevsky defeats Jose Capablanca
* Polish chess prodigy vs. Cuban chess grandmaster
The sport's section (page 23) has a three column heading: "Cuban Master Loses at Chess" with subheads that include: "RESHEVSKY VICTOR OVER CAPABLANCA" and more with photo. (see) I suspect this is one of the few publications to report this particular event as other titles in our inventory do not.
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in 38…
WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, NY, February 22, 1862.
* Billiards
* Chess
This newspaper, which was primarily a sporting newspaper, has a quite lengthy article headed: "Billiards". Accompanying subheads include: "Kavanagh and Deery", "Billiard Entertainment", and much more.
Another article found within this issue and entitled: "Our Chess Department" includes a "problem of the week" and the answer to the previous weeks' problem.
This 16 page issue also includes some Civil…
PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, April 11, 1857 As noted in the masthead: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage", this is a volume II issue of a very early sporting publication. An article "Base Ball" has the announcement of the elected officers for the Excelsior Base Ball Club of Brooklyn. Another page features an article on "Elephant Hunting in Africa" which was presented by Dr. Livingston. The original of Cockfighting is also included in this issue.
…
WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, NY, February 15, 1862.
* Billiards
* Chess
This newspaper, which was primarily a sporting newspaper, has a quite lengthy article headed: "Billiards" includes accompanying subheads entitled: "The Foley and Kavanagh Match", "The Match of 1859", and much more.
Another article found within this issue and entitled: "Our Chess Department" includes a "problem of the week" and the answer to the previous weeks' problem.
This 16 page issue also…
THE NEW YORK TIMES, June 7, 1929
* Richard Réti death (1st report)
* Chess grandmaster - endgame studies
Page 25 has a one column heading: "RICHARD RETI DIES; A MASTER OF CHESS" with subheads. (see)
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day just prior to the stock market crash and the great depression. Complete in 52 pages, a few binding slits along spine, nice condition.
WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, NY, July 12, 1862 The front page of this issue features an illustration captioned: "The Two First Premiums", which accompanying subheads: "Bloodhound and Black and Tan Terrier" and "The Recent London Dog Show".
Page three of this issue includes a rather lengthy article concerning baseball entitled: "Philadelphia vs. Brooklyn", which contains a box score to compliment the article
Another article found within this issue and entitled: "Our Chess…
Discounted by 50% (as shown) through Thursday, July 16, 2026!
PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Jan. 24, 1857 A rather famous sporting newspaper, with a sporting-themed masthead, calling itself: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". This is a volume one issue.
Reports are headed: "The Turf" "Draught Of The Seine" "Our Chess Department" "Out Door Sports" "Fistiana" (boxing) and more.
Sixteen pages, 11 y 16 inches, good condition.
FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, May 18, 1889 The ftpg. has prints of General Benjamin Butler and Admiral David Porter.
Prints inside include: "The Occupation of Oklahoma--Would-be Setters in Line at the Land Office in Guthrie" "Ascent of Mount Ararat...". A full pg. shows a scene inside a circus, and a nice fullpg: "Ranch Life In The North-West--Bronco Ponies & Their Uses--How they Are Trained & Broken". Also a halfpg: "The Great Chess Tournament...Tschigorin and Weiss...".
Sixteen…
SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, 1847 A group of 3 issues from March 13, July 10, & Sept. 4, 1847, each filled with various sporting and entertainment reports plus some news of the day. A nice, sporting-themed masthead (see). Each back page has an illustrated chess article.
Each complete in 12 pages, nice condition.
* Mine Run Campaign
* Virginia wilderness
* Gouverneur K. Warren
Among the front page column heads on the Civil War: "THE ARMIES IN VIRGINIA" "The Hostile Forces Confronting Each Other at mine Run Valley" "Lee Strongly Intrenched and Presenting a Defiant Attitude" "GEN. GRANT'S ARMY" "Ringgold Evacuated by Our Forces" "The Enemy at Strength at Tunnel Hill". More war heads on inside pages as well.
Eight pages, never bound nor trimmed, two folds,
WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, NY, January 4, 1862.
* Billiards
Page five of this issue includes a rather lengthy article concerning boxing entitled: "Billiards - Kavanagh and Foley, Proposed Match".
Another article found within this issue and entitled: "Our Chess Department" includes a "problem of the week" and the answer to the previous weeks' problem.
This 16 page issue also includes some Civil War reports as well as other sports items, including boxing and horse…
WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, June 21, 1862 This newspaper, which was primarily a sporting newspaper, has a quite lengthy article headed: "Lexington, Kentucky, Races" with accompanying subtitles reading: "Splendid Fields, and Fine Sport", "Very Exciting Vicissitudes", "Idlewild and Millington Both Beaten", "Victory of the Yorkshire Blood in a Struggle of Five Heats", and much more.
Additionally, an article found within this issue and entitled: "Our Chess Department" includes a…
Discounted by 50% (as shown) through Thursday, July 16, 2026!
WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, NY, February 8, 1862.
* Salt
* Boxing
This issue contains a rather lengthy article concerning "the Salting of the Streets of Philadelphia", which goes into some detail about the benefits of salt.
Another article found within this issue and entitled: "Our Chess Department" includes a "problem of the week" and the answer to the previous weeks' problem.
This 16 page issue also includes some Civil War reports as well as other sports items,…
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Feb. 6, 1864 The full front page is a Thomas Nast print: "Thanks To Grant" showing Liberty pinning a medal on him. The doublepage centerfold is a desired Winslow Homer print titled: "Halt Of A Wagon Train" showing soldiers around a camp fire.
Other prints within include: "The Stag Dance" "A Veteran On Furlough" "A Stampede of Army Horses" which is a full page; "Camp of the New York 103rd Regiment Before Charleston" "Accident on the Pennsylvania Central Railroad"…
PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, March 14, 1857 Various literary content but there is also sporting reports near the back, including: "Trotting at Fairs" "Fistiana" which is boxing; "Our Chess Department" "Out-Door Sports" including cricket and a "ball match". I believe the latter to be baseball, and reports: "A great match at 'corner ball' came off...After a spirited contest...victory perched o the banner of Lampeter...We are glad to notice the introduction of this healthy pastime &…
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