_____MATT FULLERTY'S____ THE PRIDE AND THE SORROW

These photographs show Paul Morphy's chess opponents from 1847-1859. They include players he faced as an eleven year old in New Orleans, through the First National Chess Congress in New York, to the private "stake" matches held in London and Paris.

 

His childhood bouts aside, Paul Morphy's career lasted less than two years, during which time he rose to rule the chess world before abandoning the game completely. His mantle would pass to the first "official" world chess champion William Steinitz, whom he never played. Paul Morphy remains the last unofficial world chess champion. These chess players were the famous national and international tournament champions he defeated on the wings of Caissa along the way.

 

For photographs of Paul's extended family members, those who mentored him and inadvertently held him back, see here.