Oliver Harcourt Labone

Historical knowledge and information regarding our great game.
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Richard James
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Oliver Harcourt Labone

Post by Richard James » Mon Oct 25, 2021 2:30 pm

https://britishchessnews.com/2021/10/25 ... rt-labone/

My latest article, concerning the player and problemist Oliver Harcourt Labone, active from the 1880s to the 1920s, involved a lot of research and detective work.

A tale of estrangement, elopement and emigration. A tale of subterfuge and name changes, and perhaps bigamy. A tale of bankruptcies and embezzlement. A tale of impulsiveness, obsession and depression. A tale of manslaughter and suicide.

But you'll find a lot of games and problems as well, as well as someone who famously excelled at a very different game, and a guest appearance by a prominent member of this forum.

If you enjoyed this, you might want to read my previous article, about a strong amateur whose life and chess career took him from Birmingham to Melbourne, and finally to Eastbourne: Dr Abraham Learner.

https://britishchessnews.com/2021/10/20 ... l-learner/

Kevin Thurlow
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Re: Oliver Harcourt Labone

Post by Kevin Thurlow » Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:47 pm

"A tale of estrangement, elopement and emigration. A tale of subterfuge and name changes, and perhaps bigamy. A tale of bankruptcies and embezzlement. A tale of impulsiveness, obsession and depression. A tale of manslaughter and suicide."

Wow - you have to read it after that!

Could apply to any number of chess players though...

NickFaulks
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Re: Oliver Harcourt Labone

Post by NickFaulks » Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:24 pm

Kevin Thurlow wrote:
Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:47 pm
Could apply to any number of chess players though...
Are you talking about Redhill?
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Kevin Thurlow
Posts: 5802
Joined: Wed Apr 30, 2008 12:28 pm

Re: Oliver Harcourt Labone

Post by Kevin Thurlow » Mon Oct 25, 2021 7:19 pm

"Are you talking about Redhill?"

I can only think of "impulsiveness, obsession and depression." at present. Actually, there was one suicide, but it's best not to dwell on that as readers might think it's a good idea.

We have had a number of games stolen from us though. I do know loads of players outside Redhill...

Richard James
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Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:34 pm
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Re: Oliver Harcourt Labone

Post by Richard James » Sat Oct 30, 2021 11:10 am

https://britishchessnews.com/2021/10/30 ... -demetrio/

Further information on Oliver Harcourt Labone's extended family.

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