Customer Reviews

Grandmasters of chess,

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The grandmasters of chess are a strange and fascinating group of men. Several died mad, others led bizarre and dramatic lives. Not one was dull. Each altered the game in some significant way. In Grandmasters of Chess, Harold Schonberg traces the history of modern chess through the lives of these great players, the kings of a most demanding and abstruse art. The book is illustrated with many extraordinary photographs and drawings; and a number of complete games are included--history making contests and immortal performances.

This book is not only the best chess history book, it is one of the all time best books I have ever read. The author gives entertaining and insightful descriptions of the life and times of history's greatest chess players. He certainly doesn't shy away from criticizing the cowardly, egotistical, or otherwise childish behavior of many of the greats. But more than that, he guides the reader to see the evolution of chess through the overall style and some specific games of the masters, as well as the influences of the outside world. It is a fascinating experience to replay the games in this book. They are often supported by historical context, so as you move the pieces on your board at home, you bring to life some of the thoughts experienced by geniuses of the past, but in your own mind. If you have any interest in chess, this book is mandatory.