Master Pieces: The Architecture of Chess [Hardcover]

Gareth John Williams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 6, 2000

A beautiful tribute to the artistry of the game of chess

Master Pieces: The Architecture of Chess is a gorgeous gift book for any chess fan. The first full-color illustrated book devoted to the art and design of the individual pieces in a chess set, the book presents examples of the most magnificent pieces from around the world, both ancient and modern. Master Pieces sheds new light on the history, evolution, and symbolism of chess pieces and displays the artistry and craft of creating these miniature works of art. Featuring some of the most beautiful and famous chess sets from all over the world, Master Pieces is the ideal gift for chess players everywhere.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gareth Williams is the owner of one of the most extensive collections of chess memorabilia in Europe, a collection that includes sets, boards, clocks, cards, prints, photos, ceramics, and more. He is the author of The Amazing Book of Chess and is also a regular contributor to Chess Monthly and The Chess Collector magazines.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Studio; 1ST edition (November 6, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670893811
• ISBN-13: 978-0670893812
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #495,633 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This is an art history book., November 1, 2001

By 

Calorie Restricted "CR" (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Master Pieces: The Architecture of Chess (Hardcover)

I bought this book, hoping it would contain detailed information on particular technical aspects of individual chess pieces. The only measured diagram is on the cover. The rest of the book consists of bits of chess trivia and continuous anecdotal descriptions of chess pieces throughout history interspersed with photographs and paintings of different styles of pieces. While the illustrations are nice, I would have liked to see more details about the chess "architecture" and less fluff. All we have here are objects. No effort is made to describe in detail the size or proportions of the pieces or to compare or contrast sets and styles beyond the photographic presentations of them. The most we are told is what material they are made from.
The book is a nice brief pice of art history. If this is what you are looking for, then it is the book for you. Perhaps a second volume could be published to accompany this one that actually speaks at length about the "architecture" of the pieces. They would make a nice set.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book, March 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Master Pieces: The Architecture of Chess (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book for anyone even remotely interested in Chess. Not only does it describe the evolution of the design of chess pieces and boards, but it also provides many interesting historical tidbits. The book explains in detail why, where, and when changes were brought about in chess. I highly recommend this book to all people who enjoy chess or even just design.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book, March 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Master Pieces: The Architecture of Chess (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book for anyone even remotely interested in Chess. Not only does it describe the evolution of the design of chess pieces and boards, but it also provides many interesting historical tidbits. The book explains in detail why, where, and when changes were brought about in chess. I highly recommend this book to all people who enjoy chess or even just design.