This is the first history of British chess to embrace the modern era, commencing with the earliest club established in Britain, in 1774 and going right through to 2000. Its principal focus is on those people who used the game to earn a living - professionals, such as Staunton and Short though also deals with prominent amateurs - for instance Thomas and Penrose. The book is interested in social attitudes towards chess, notably early struggles against moral disapproval, and its gradual ascent to become an accepted and popular recreation. Attention is paid to the evolution of various theoretical idea, notably the ideas of Philidor and Steinitz. The major chess events in Britain are dealt with, the scores of games being provided (some with brief annotation) and tables of results. Amongst the events covered are matches such as de la Bourdonnais v McDonnell and tournaments such as London 1851 and 1883.