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 C. 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 ...
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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 C. 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. What makes a great chess player? Mr. Schonberg is explicit: vast memory, imagination, intuition, technique, a healthy body, relative youth, a high degree of visual imagery, and the unyielding determination to win are the prerequisites. Almost always child prodigies, chess geniuses invariably have massive egos. Mr. Schonberg begins with Francois Philidor, the eighteenth century French-man who laid the foundations for the game as it is played today. Among those who followed are the irascible Howard. Staunton, designer of the chess pieces that are still universally used; Paul Morphy, one of the best natural players who ever lived and one of the most tragic; Emanuel Lasker, the dapper Renaissance man of chess; Alexander Alekhine, an alcoholic "social monster"; Jose Raul Capablanca, "The Chess Machine" who lost only thirty-five out of the seven hundred games in his career; and Bobby Fischer, the ego-crushing enfant terrible who has done more to popularize the game than any other player. Mr. Schonberg's presentation of the lives of the grandmasters is so entertaining, the stories so engrossing, that even readers who are not familiar with chess will be captivated by this gallery of brilliant and unforgettable characters."
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Seller's Description:
Fair. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. The book is perfectly readable and fit for use, although it shows signs of previous ownership. The spine is likely creased and the cover scuffed or slightly torn. Textbooks will typically have an amount of underlining and/or highlighting, as well as notes. If this book is over 5 years old, then please expect the pages to be yellowing or to have age spots. Grubby book may have mild dirt or some staining, mostly on the edges of pages. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading. Ripped/damaged jacket. The dust jacket of this book is slightly damaged/ripped, however, this does not affect the internal condition.
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Seller's Description:
Good with no dust jacket. 0397010044. Foxing to exterior edge of pages. Spill stain to edge of pages. Two pages have one-inch rips. Doesn't effect the text. -Good overall condition. General wear. No major blemishes. No writing.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good in Good- jacket. 8vo-over 7¾"-9¾" tall. (1973) 318 pp. Original red cloth covers w/ gilt title on spine. DJ has wear, tear, and chipping to edges. Large piece missing at top edge of front panel. Creases to flaps. Illust. w/ b/w photos. Contents very nice.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good in Very Good jacket. 6 x 8 1/2. 346 page hardcover with photo illustrations of many grandmasters and key games outlined. The author begins the history with Francois Philidor, a Frenchman in the 18th C., and ends with the Karpov-Korchnoi Championship match. Dust jacket is bright, complete and clean. Cloth and board exterior with title on spine in gold. Interior is unmarked, tight and clean.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. Ex-library with typical library markings/labels. Otherwise pages unmarked, binding tight. Red cover boards show modest shelfwear and light soiling. No DJ. Your purchase benefits world-wide relief efforts of Mennonite Central Committee.
