In the book are described some 650 items (books, journal articles etc.) on chess or related to chess, in the English language, printed before 1850. Each entry is described in great detail, always following information is given: Authors surname, forename, dates of birth and death. / Main title, or, Alternative title: subtitle / statement of responsibility; additional statement of responsibility. / Edition statement / Statement of responsibility relating to the edition. / Place of publication: name of publisher, date of publication. / Number of pages; illustration statement; spine measurement. / Series statement. / Notes. The basic arrangement of the list is chronological by year of publication. Two or more items in the same year are arranged alphabetically. Each item has its own reference number. Several indexes.