Emil Josef Diemer 1908-1990

For sale is the very rare Emil Josef Diemer 1908–1990 by Alan Dommett is a biographical and historical study of the controversial German chess master Emil Josef Diemer, best known for popularizing the audacious Blackmar–Diemer Gambit. The book examines both Diemer’s chess career and his complex, often turbulent personal life, presenting a portrait of a fiercely original and uncompromising figure in twentieth-century chess.Diemer became famous for his relentless advocacy of attacking chess and his belief that initiative and tactical pressure could outweigh material considerations. Through annotated games, historical commentary, and biographical detail, Dommett explores Diemer’s romantic approach to the game, highlighting his spectacular sacrifices, imaginative combinations, and devotion to unorthodox opening systems. Particular attention is naturally given to the Blackmar–Diemer Gambit, the opening most closely associated with his name and still beloved by aggressive players today.Beyond the chessboard, the book also addresses the more difficult aspects of Diemer’s life and reputation, including his political controversies, personal struggles, and eccentric behavior. Dommett presents these subjects within their historical context while maintaining the focus on Diemer’s lasting influence on attacking chess culture and opening experimentation.Rich in games, analysis, photographs, and historical material, Emil Josef Diemer 1908–1990 serves both as a tribute to a unique chess personality and as a valuable resource for historians of modern chess. The work appeals especially to enthusiasts of gambit play, collectors of specialized chess literature, and readers interested in the colorful and unconventional characters who helped shape chess history outside the mainstream elite.

Condition: Very Good.

One available.