W.H.K. Pollock: A Chess Biography

Condition: New

This richly researched biography explores the life and chess career of William Henry Krause Pollock, one of the most talented and overlooked masters of the late 19th century. During his early years in America, Pollock competed in several major events and faced strong contemporaries such as Jackson W. Showalter and Eugene Delmar, leaving a lasting mark on the competitive chess scene of the era.

The book traces Pollock’s journey through England, Ireland, and the United States, offering a vivid portrait of the American chess world in the early 1890s—a dynamic and formative period in chess history. Drawing from rare chess journals and magazines from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, the authors reconstruct Pollock’s career with exceptional detail and historical accuracy.

Inside, readers will find:

• Approximately 500 annotated games, showcasing Pollock’s sharp, imaginative style
• Rare photographs and drawings documenting his life and era
• Historical commentary that places Pollock’s achievements in context
• Insights into the tournaments, rivals, and chess culture of the 19th century

This is an outstanding resource for chess players, historians, and collectors, especially those interested in classical master play and the development of American chess.

Historical demand and limited supply makes this book rare and expensive.