Thursday 28 October 2010

Sherlock Holmes Chess

The subject of recent blockbuster action mystery films, the 4 novels and 56 short stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle featuring the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes  continue to capture the imagination.

Renowned for his powers of reasoning and deduction, Sherlock Homes first appeared in publised print in 1887. He was to become a national favourite and the stories featured in the Strand Magazine. When Conan Doyle eventually attempted to bring about his 'death' there was a national outcry resulting in the character returning in 1901 in the famous novel The Hound of the Baskervilles. The character is thought to have been inspired by Dr Joseph Bell who Conan Doyle had once worked for.

But what about the author? Born in Edinburgh, Conan Doyle studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and served briefly for a time as a ship's doctor. His writings about Sherlock Holmes began while he was waiting for patients at his medical practice and the fictional detective first appeared in A Study in Scarlet in 1887.

His crime fiction stories based around the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes were composed between 1880 and 1914. With the exception of just 4, they are narrated through the eyes of his companion Dr. John H. Watson, who is featured in our Sherlock Holmes Chess sets together with his landlady, Mrs Hudson.

At CheckmateChessSets we've pulled together for you no less than 6 great options of the classic Sherlock Holmes Chess set. Choose from hand decorated or plain versions.

Sherlock Holmes Chess @CheckmateChessSets.co.uk

Wednesday 27 October 2010

Become the envy of your Friends, Family and Business Associates

After all, it's a high quality luxury themed chess piece set you've bought so bear in mind that it will be noticed!

Anyway, you'll be proud to show it to your friends, family and business associates. Enjoy explaining to them the background to each individual piece.

Just the feel in the hand of high quality weighted theme chess pieces is great in itself. It's unmistakable and, yes, it's definitely worth the extra investment!

Tuesday 26 October 2010

Alice In Wonderland Chess

The book's an all-time literary classic and the new 3D film version is a masterpiece - just awesome! So, here at CheckmateChessSets we've pulled together for you a selection of no less than 6 versions of the classic Alice in Wonderland Chess Set theme!

But what do we know of the author, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson? Who? Yes, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (1832-1898) preferred to be known by the pseudonym Lewis Carroll in his writings about Alice. The son of a country parson, the young Charles was educated at Rugby and Christ Church Oxford. Exceptionally gifted, the young Charles wrote poems and short stories from an early age and was to become an accomplished mathematician, logician and photographer.

His first and most successful commercial success was finally published in 1865 as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The sequel Through the Looking-Glass And What Alice Found There was to follow in 1871.

The professional illustrator was Sir John Tenniel (1820-1914). Tenniel was a regular cartoonist and caricaturist in Punch and eventually knighted in 1893. Tenniel's illustrations were to become some of the most famous literary illustrations ever produced. It was Tenniel's early coloured illustrations of Alice featured her in a blue dress with a white pinafore which were to become both so endearing and enduring. Check out the individual product descriptions at CheckmateChessSets for those which have been specifically inspired by Tenniel's illustrations of Lewis Carroll's characters in his books about the adventures of Alice!

"Off with their heads!" is, of course, her most famous line from the Lewis Carroll story. So, now it's time for you to decide whether to take the side of the card from a pack of playing cards turned executioner or that of Alice? The choice is yours in our Alice v The Queen of Hearts option!

All of your 6 options here at CheckmateChessSets are genuine high quality Alice In Wonderland Chess Pieces and yet each possesses a slightly different style, its own unique twist, which distinguishes it from the others. Exceptionally sculpted and complete with finely tuned facial expressions. Hand painted exclusively for you or plain versions. They're all here at CheckmateChessSets

Find high quality Alice In Wonderland Chess Set products. If you are looking for high quality Alice In Wonderland Chess Pieces you have come to the right place. You will find great deals on our Alice In Wonderland Chess

Alice In Wonderland Hand Painted Theme Chess Set @CheckmateChessSets.co.uk

Monday 25 October 2010

The Perfect Decorative Ornamental Centrepiece!

Just close your eyes and imagine for a moment your home or office. Now imagine that same home or office featuring one of our high quality themed chess sets - the perfect decorative ornamental centrepiece.

Yes, of course, the traditional Staunton Chess Set format is still the standard chess set design. And it definitely has its place. Dating back to the mid 19th Century and named after Howard Staunton, it is the familiar face of the great game. It continues to be used as the standard chess set in tournaments, clubs etc. and that’s great.  

But have you ever  thought about really bringing your game of chess to life? What if it’s something different, something more detailed and intricate you’re really looking for. Are you looking for that extra dimension? If the answer's 'yes', then a set of high quality theme chess pieces from our range of themed chess sets is definitely for you!

Click here and choose from dozens of High Quality Luxury Chess Sets 

Friday 22 October 2010

Isle of Lewis Chess

Probably the most famous chess pieces in the world!

The ‘Lewis Chessmen’, of Viking origin, are believed to be the oldest surviving chess pieces in the world. Dating from 12th century and made from Walrus ivory and whales' teeth, there are 93 in total.  They probably represent the most important Medieval Chess Pieces to be found.

They are so-called because of their discovery in early 1831 on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. The Isle of Lewis Chess pieces were found in a sand bank at the head of Camas Uig on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. In 12th century when they were originally buried, the Western Isles formed part of the Kingdom of Norway. 

It is widely believed that they had been deliberately buried by a merchant while being transported from Norway to Ireland to be traded. This belief is supported by the fact that, although there are some pieces missing, there are the constituent pieces to comprise about four sets.

They are now housed in the British Museum, London which exhibits 82 of them and in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland which has 11.

Beautifully made and amazingly detailed replica Isle of Lewis Chess Set pieces and other Medieval Chess Sets can be purchased now at CheckmateChessSets. They are made from crushed stone or marble combined with a resin mixture. There are no less than five great Isle of Lewis Chess options to choose from!

Monday 18 October 2010

Say something about you!

        Say Something about you! Express your Personality, Interest or Hobby. Themed chess sets can be as individual as you are so take the opportunity to make a statement.  Why not?

        Yes, make a statement about yourself through the high quality theme chess pieces you choose. Often it has been famous battles such as the Battle of Trafalgar, Battle of Waterloo and Battle of Culloden that have been the subject of theme chess sets and they remain so. But now there are literally dozens of themes to choose from. Anything from Dragon themes to the American Civil War, Sherlock Holmes Chess to Lord of the Rings Chess ...to Alice in Wonderland Chess! There are dozens of theme subjects to choose from - so make it personal!
        From Isle of Lewis to the American War of Independence Chess Set! At CheckmateChessSets, you'll find an amazing range of high quality, luxury themed chess sets. Make your selection from Battles, Historical, Golf, Legend, Cultural, Literary, Musical, Children's, American, Gothic, Pets, Medieval, Fantasy...