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Bird, H. E. (Henry Edward), 1830-1908

"Chess History and Reminiscences"


Among statesmen and politicians we find such names as the Earl
of Chatham, Pitt, C. J. Fox, Lord Godolphin, Lord Sunderland,
St. John and Wedderburn.
Prominent as players as well as supporters were General Conway,
Count Bruhl, the French Ambassador, Duke de Mirepois, the
Turkish Ambassador, Dr. Black, Sir Abram Janssens, G. Atwood,
(one of Pitts' secretaries), Mr. Jennings, Mr. Cotter, and the
Rev. Mr. Bouldeer.
Voltaire and Roussca were friends of Philidor, so also was
David Garrick the actor; supporters in the musical world were
numerous. A combination of high appreciation for chess and
music combined is often found.
Philidor died in 1795. Sir Abram Janssens had already departed
in 1775, as the recognized best player and one of the greatest
enthusiasts, his loss left a great void in chess, Scandigh,
Benedict, Prout and Asfra are musicians with whom we have
ourselves played chess.
------
THE CARLOVINGIAN DYNASTY
In A.D. 757 Constantine Capronymus, Emperor of the East sent to
King Pepin as a rare present the first organ ever seen in France.
CHARLEMAGNE'S WAGER
The romance of Guerin de Montglave turns wholly upon a game of
chess at which Charlemagne had lost his Kingdom to Guerin.


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