Aron Nimzowitsch: A Reappraisal [Paperback]

Raymond Keene (Author)

Book Description

Series: Batsford Algebraic Classics | Publication Date: June 30, 2003

Keen's masterpiece in which he examines the life and work of one of the most influential thinkers in chess history.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

RAYMOND KEENE, himself a Grandmaster, has written over sixty books on chess and is chess correspondent of the Spectator and The Times, as well as being a regular presenter of chess on Thames Television. In 1985 he was awarded the OBE for services to chess. His book on Nimzowitsch is regarded as one of the classics of chess. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Batsford; Subsequent edition (June 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0713484381
• ISBN-13: 978-0713484380
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,055,490 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Journey into the mind of Nimzo !, July 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Aron Nimzowitsch: A Reappraisal (Paperback)

First let me say that this is a book for intermediate to advanced chess players. Beginner or novice players should look elsewhere for chess instruction.

This book contains many revelations of positional chess as inititally "discovered" and expounded by the father of hypermodern chess - Aron Nimzowitsch.

This book is easier to read, and more fun than "My System" or "Chess Praxis" written by Nimzo himself.

It esentially examinines most of the same topics; prophylaxis, overprotection, restriction, blockade, centralization, doubled pawns, etc. In addition, the second part of the book contains a huge collection of games played by Nimzovich throughout his career. They are reasonably well annotated by Keene with some reflections about how they might stack up by todays standards.

I would probably recommend that you read "My System" or "Chess Praxis" first and then tackle this book for re-inforcement. But keep in mind that this book is easier to wade through than the other two due to a more modern writing style.

The diagrams, binding, text , game collections, interviews, and notes are all first rate. This is a great book and worthy of study by anyone wanting to add depth to your game.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars After My System and Chess Praxis, April 18, 2002

By 

Petrosian (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aron Nimzowitsch: A Reappraisal (Paperback)

This book goes over the portion of Nimzowitsch's career after Nimzowitsch's masterworks (Chess Praxis and My System), though it focuses on his entire career. An interesting interview with Bent Larsen is included, as well as some thoughts by Nimzowitsch himself on learning how to play chess. A lengthy section on Nimzowitsch's influence on opening theory may be of interest to some readers.

This book is a solid effort from Keene; as one of the first books he ever wrote (in the mid-70's), one can see that he wished to make a monument that would stand the test of time. Keene's annotation style is a bit attention-seeking at points, using fanciful vocabulary not often seen in chess books. I took that as a sign of respect for Nimzowitsch, whose own annotations were just as fanciful. Nonetheless, the division between verbal annotations and move-by-move annotations hits the right balance.

Recommended.