Olson: The Chess Kings (Volume One) - History, Politics, and the Fine Art of Mythmaking in Chess (Antiquariat)

Autor: Olson, Calvin
Verlag / Hersteller: Trafford Publishing
Erscheinungsjahr: 2006
Sprache: Englisch
Buchumschlag: paperback
Seiten: 320

Chess History Through the World Champions: From the 15th Century to 1940

The Chess Kings, Volume One by Calvin Olson traces the evolution of modern chess from its emergence in the late 15th century through 1940, examining the game's development via its most prestigious contests.

Rather than focusing solely on moves and tactics, this history explores the personalities, ambitions, and rivalries of the world champions themselves, revealing how political intrigue and personal conflict shaped competitive chess.

Historians and enthusiasts seeking to understand chess beyond the board will find documented games, championship records, and biographical context that illuminate the human side of the game's transformation.

Highlights

• Detailed account of world championship matches and the personalities behind them from 1450 to 1940
• Thirty-one historically significant games with full analysis and explanation
• Appendices listing all title holders and major tournament winners for reference
• Extensive annotated bibliography for further research into chess history and its key figures
• Focus on the politics and mythmaking that shaped the public perception of chess champions

A essential resource for those interested in how chess developed as a competitive pursuit and how its greatest players became cultural figures.

FAQ

What time period does this book cover?
The book traces chess history from the late 15th century, when the modern game began to take shape, through 1940. It emphasizes world championship contests as the framework for understanding the game's development during this period.

Does the book include actual chess games?
Yes. Thirty-one historically important games are included, each fully annotated and explained so readers can understand their significance both tactically and historically.

Is this book focused on chess strategy and tactics, or on history?
This is a chess history book that emphasizes the personalities, politics, and social context of the world champions rather than deep tactical instruction. The games are presented historically rather than as training material.