Voronkov: Alexander Alekhine – The Russian Sphinx: Volume II (1921-1934) (hardcover)

Autor: Voronkov, Sergey
Verlag / Hersteller: Elk and Ruby
Erscheinungsjahr: 2026
Sprache: Englisch
Buchumschlag: hardcover
Seiten: 502

Alekhine's Dominant Years: A Psychological Portrait of the Fourth World Champion

Sergey Voronkov's second volume traces Alexander Alekhine's career from 1921 to 1934, the period in which the fourth world champion reached his chess peak. Drawing on contemporary sources from around the globe, the author reconstructs Alekhine's thoughts, feelings and competitive strategies as they unfolded in real time.

This biographical work combines psychological insight with game analysis, examining Alekhine's three world championship matches against Capablanca and Bogoljubov, his rivalries with Rubinstein and Nimzowitsch, and major tournaments across Europe and the Americas. The narrative reveals how Alekhine adapted his style and mindset to overcome stronger opponents.

Advanced players and chess historians seeking to understand both the man and the games of this transformative era will find detailed annotations, contemporary commentary from period protagonists, and fresh analytical perspectives on a crucial chapter in chess history.

Highlights

• Covers Alekhine's exile in France and his years of greatest dominance in world chess from 1921 to 1934
• 84 games and fragments with annotations, including 46 never before published in book form
• Detailed psychological analysis of Alekhine's preparation and mindset during his matches with Capablanca
• Contemporary commentary from Euwe, Nimzowitsch, Kmoch and period journalists, plus modern engine analysis
• Over 100 historical photographs and drawings, many appearing in print for the first time
• Second volume in a planned four-volume psychological biography of the fourth world champion

An essential reference for understanding Alekhine's competitive approach and the chess landscape of the interwar years.

FAQ

What time period does Volume II cover, and how does it fit into the overall series?
Volume II spans 1921 to 1934, the years when Alekhine was at his peak. It is the second of four planned volumes in Voronkov's psychological biography, allowing readers to follow Alekhine's development across his entire career.

Does this book include previously unpublished games?
Yes. Of the 84 games and fragments presented, 46 have never appeared in book form before. The annotations draw on contemporary commentary from players and journalists of the era, supplemented by modern computer analysis.

What is the focus of Voronkov's psychological approach to Alekhine's matches?
The author examines Alekhine's mental preparation and style adaptation in detail, particularly during his three world championship matches with Capablanca and Bogoljubov. The work reconstructs his thoughts and competitive strategy based on contemporary sources worldwide.