Joseph Henry Blackburne

Who was Joseph Henry Blackburne?

Joseph Henry Blackburne, nicknamed "The Black Death", dominated British chess during the latter part of the 19th century. He learned the game at the relatively late age of 18 but quickly became a strong player and went on to develop a professional chess career that spanned over 50 years. At one point he was the world's second most successful player, with a string of tournament victories behind him, and popularised chess by giving simultaneous and blindfold displays around the country. Blackburne also published a collection of his own games, and was a chess correspondent for a leading journal until his death.

He was also noted for heavy drinking of Scotch whisky, especially during exhibition games, and this became the subject of many anecdotes. However, he occasionally became violent when drunk, and his victims included other chess players.