Joseph Blackburne

Joseph Henry Blackburne was a British chess player known as The Black Death. He dominated the British scene during the late 19th century. He learned the game late, around age 17 or 18, but he quickly became a strong player.

His professional career lasted over 50 years. At one point, he was among the world’s leading players and won a string of tournaments. To make chess more popular, he gave blindfold and simultaneous displays across the country. He also published a collection of his own games.