Chess History and Reminiscences | Page 6

in 1867, when contending
against Steinitz (fresh from his victory over Anderssen), he won six
games against his opponent's seven, while seven others were drawn.
Six years later Mr. BIRD once more proved his right to be considered
second to none among English players, by defeating Mr. Wisker, the
holder of the British Association Challenge Cup, after a protracted
struggle. So far, therefore, as practical proficiency constitutes a claim to
respect as a teacher of chess-theory, the author of `The Chess Openings'
is in no need of an excuse for coming forward as an instructor. Mr.
BIRD by no means confines himself to mere reproduction. He has the
merit of having identified his name with several original variations, and
of having revived several older defences, such as the Cunningham
Gambit, with no small degree of success. The book has been evidently
the result of painstaking and accurate analysis, and it may be
confidently recommended to the more advanced players who have
graduated in the beaten tracks of the 'Handbuch,' and are willing to
follow in the steps of an able and original guide. In addition to the
usual Appendix of problems, Mr. BIRD supplies a very useful and
attractive feature in a series of end game positions from the most
celebrated modern match-games. Owing to clear type and large
diagrams, the volume will prove an agreeable companion when a board
is out of reach."--Athenaeum, September 7th, 1880.
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Chess Masterpieces: Comprising--A Collection of 156 Choice Games
of the past quarter of a century, with notes, including the finest Games
in the Exhibition of 1851, and in the Vienna Tournament of 1873, with
excellent specimens of the styles of Anderssen, Blackburne, Der Laza,
Hanstein, Kolisch, Lowenthal, Morphy, Staunton, Steinitz, and the
principal English Players. Supplemented by Games of La Bourdonnais,

McDonnell and Cochrane, contested prior to 1849, Compiled by H. E.
BIRD. Cloth, black lettered, 3/6; or, handsomely bound, gilt and gilt
edges 4/-.
The entire series will be found full of interest and points of excellence,
and can scarcely fail to afford amusement and pleasure, as well as to
impart instruction, to all who may avail themselves of the opportunity
of examining them, they will be of especial service to amateurs who
aspire to preeminence in chess.
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Times, Biographical Notices, Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic,
Pictorial World, American and Continental, Newcastle Chronicle, and
Hereford Times.
Professor Ruskin (from 28 letters in all, since 1884). "Your games
always delight me, as they seem in my humble judgment specimens of
chess skill remarkable for originality and vivacity."--12th June, 1884.
"Indeed I feel that you have done more for chess at home and abroad
than any other living player."--16th April, 1885.
"Your Catalogue is quite admirably drawn up, and if ever I can recover
some peace of life and mind I hope to be of some use in furthering the
sale of the book and recommending its views."--7th June, 1887.
H.R.H. PRINCE LEOPOLD, EARL DARTREY, SIR C. RUSSELL,
LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL, Etc., Etc., (also great Musicians,
Amateur Chess Players, letters and support.)
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STEINITZ
As a player, analyst, critic and author. Considerations of his book on
the openings. Notes on his general play, and conduct of the game, &c.,
are dealt with in review of Modern Chess Instructor.

Steinitz claims with justice to be very conscientious in the performance
of his work at all times, and he had no need to excuse himself for the
following criticism, which occupied him (he told me) months in its
preparation. It seems to me that an author has reason to be obliged to
any who may point out his real errors and shortcomings. Steinitz,
however, was betrayed into a degree of unfairness and prejudice in
dealing with Staunton and Wormald's books, and Morphy's play,
bordering almost on imbecility. That the great artist himself is not
infallible appears from my review of his Modern Chess Instructor.
STEINITZ'S REVIEW
The Field, December, 1879.
CHESS OPENINGS, 1879.
The Chess Opening, Considered Critically and Practically. By H. E.
Bird. London: Dean & Son, 160, Fleet Street.
The public record of chess matches and great tournaments places the
name of the author of this work above that of any living English
competitor for chess honours, excepting Mr. Blackburne. It is therefore
all the more disappointing to find that Mr. Bird's book has not done
justice to his great reputation as a player. The author's chief defect as an
analyst arises probably from one of his distinguishing qualities as a
practitioner over the board. Few chess masters could excel Mr. Bird in
rapid survey of position and in the formation and execution of
surprising maneuvers, which, though not always sound--and sometimes,
as he admits, even eccentric--tend to raise confusing complications,
difficult for the adversary to disentangle at a quick rate. These qualities
make Mr.