Der Schachwettkampf Lasker-Marshall im Frühjahr 1907

55+[1 ad] pages with diagrams. Octavo (8" x 5 1/2") issued in original wrappers. (Bibliotheca van der Linde-Niemeijeriana:5041) First edition.

Frank James Marshall was born in New York City, but spent his youth in Montreal where he rapidly rose to the top of the chess scene. Upon returning to the USA, he won the US Championship (although refused to accept the honor, as Harry Nelson Pillsbury did not participate). He was soon recognized as one of the brightest and most creative American chess talents.

Emanuel Lasker was a German chess player, mathematician, and philosopher who was World Chess Champion for 27 years (from 1894 to 1921). In his prime Lasker was one of the most dominant champions, and he is still generally regarded as one of the strongest players ever.

In 1904, Marshall won the very strong Cambridge Springs tournament by 1.5 points over Emanuel Lasker, the first time that the World Champion had been beaten in a tournament in nearly ten years. Dr. Lasker later agreed to play Marshall for the world championship, to be played in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Chicago, and Memphis. From January 26 to April 8, 1907 the match took place. It was an utter fiasco for Marshall, who failed to score a single win. Even in his autobiography Marshall does not mention this match except for a short sentence: "Tedious play aimed at wearing down my opponent is averse to my nature."

Condition:

Previous owner's name on front wrapper, corners bumped and creased, edge wear, small chip at back heal edge else about a very good copy.