A Chess Omnibus [Paperback]

Edward Winter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2003

An exceptionally wide-ranging anthology featuring hundreds of rare chess games, puzzles, photographs, biographies, exposes, bons mots and much more. This is a gem of peasurable, delightful reading.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Edward Winter is the most respected chess historian of the era.

Product Details

• Paperback: 468 pages
• Publisher: Russell Enterprises (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888690178
• ISBN-13: 978-1888690170
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #382,822 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chess lore galore, April 19, 2004

By 

Walter Hart (Burra Creek, Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Chess Omnibus (Paperback)

This is the third book of Edward Winter's that explores various aspects of chess lore in great detail (following on from Chess Explorations, and Kings, Commoners and Knaves). Winter has a derserved reputation as an excellent and exacting author, with very high standards in seeking chess truth and setting the record straight. His direct criticism and refusal to accept mediocrity, has often put him offside against some of the more frequent and sloppy chess authors. The book contents are presented in seven sections or themes (Positions, Games, Miscellaneous, Biography, Gaffes, Mysteries, and Quotes) and all are interesting, well researched, and unique in the sense of not being found anywhere else (except for some articles from his earlier Chess Notes series). Unlike the two previous publications, this book does not include Winter's book review section. Although missed, there is plenty of other excellent content that substitutes. The book is very hard to put down once started reading, and stimulates a continued interest in chess lore. See Winter's column on the excellent Chess Cafe site for an idea of the book's contents. Winter's knowledge of and keen interest in Capablanca continues throughout the book, and there are many excellent photos that bring the personalities to life. The book is excellently bound and presented and one of the best chess publications of 2003. It is unreservedly recommended for anyone with a keen interest in chess.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun Internet Sites are Fun But Can Be Inferior to Superb Books Such as this..., March 11, 2006

By 

bckm (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Chess Omnibus (Paperback)

This is an incredible book. It's not the kind of book you read cover to cover in one sitting, nor is it the kind of book you "study" like an opening book. It is fascinating, well-written, meticulously-researced chess information, history, and entertainment, and it is well worth the money you would pay for it. If all books were this thoroughly self-vetted, we would have more trees in the forest and less junk on the market.

While he is right on target about the meticulousness of research gong into this book, I disagree with Mr. Johnson's conclusion about the "vignette" style of book. It is the kind of book you pick up, read a little of, then put down for later. I have two or three of Edward Winter's books and they never get old. I get old, but not Mr. Winter's books... :) They are all fascinating to read, and I heartily recommend this book.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional compilation, July 14, 2005

By 

A. B. Eddington (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Chess Omnibus (Paperback)

Mr. Winter's outstanding omnibus of chesslore is well worth the money for anyone interested in chess. His writing style is engaging, his research of facts and ephemera exhaustive, and his attention to the most insignificant detail is more than apparent. This is indeed a well-executed omnibus of all things chess. Anyone familiar with his equally excellent book Kings, Commoners and Knaves or his online reviews at ChessCafe will certainly not be disappointed. However, for those who have not cut their teeth on Mr. Winter's writing be forewarned: His reviews and criticisms as contained within this volume can be biting to say the least. In fact he will probably leave some readers wondering whether the almost gleeful maliciousness he exhibits in his frequent negative assessments is perhaps worse than the chess culprits he is critiquing. That notwithstanding, this is an excellent compilation which will not disappoint the curious and combative alike.