Joseph Henry Blackburne, born on 10 December 1841 in Manchester, died on 1 September 1924 in London). Blackburne was originally a merchant by trade and, in addition to chess, an excellent draughts player. Between 1892 and the beginning of the First World War he took part in almost all international master tournaments and was as a professional chess player one of the best players in the world, especially in the second half of the 19th century. Because he often turned up to tournaments in an old black suit and a black top hat on his head, he was nicknamed "the Black Death". Blackburne was a feared attacking player in the style of romantic chess. Blackburne was also known as a blindsimultan player, which he gave on up to 16 boards.
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