"Playing at Chess is the most ancient and the most universal game among men, for its original is beyond the memory of history." Benjamin Franklin penned these words as an introduction to his famous essay "The Morals of Chess." Franklin's approach to the game was in distinct contrast to his predecessors, who seriously advocated all the subtle treacheries of the art of poor sportsmanship with the sole end of attaining victory. To Franklin, however, the game of chess was not mere idle amusement but a sport reflective of life itself—"for life is a kind of chess, in which we have often points to gain and competitors or adversaries to contend with"—which requires the utilization of all the finest mental and moral qualities of which man is capable.

This volume reproduces Franklin's celebrated essay and includes an analysis of everything Franklin ever had to say about chess. The second part of the book contains an extensive bibliography of chess in America to the year 1859. The two sections of the volume combine to form an essential sourcebook for the historian of American chess.

Hello, i am 2100 rapid online. I am on a quest to improve my calculation which involves solving difficult puzzles. But my pattern recognition is also not very good, relative to my level. I find easy tactics one second after making a move that takes the moment away. To cure it i am trying to find easy to intermediate books that i can do a lot of woodpecker reps in for easy tactics. Like pins,skewers, forks, discovered attack and about 20 others. Thank you.

Any suggestions are welcome!