Voronkov: Masterpieces and Dramas of the Soviet Championships - Vol. 2 (1938–1947)

Autor: Voronkov, Sergey
Verlag / Hersteller: Elk and Ruby
Erscheinungsjahr: 2021
Sprache: Englisch
Buchumschlag: hardcover
Seiten: 524

Soviet Chess History Through Games and Politics: 1938–1947

Sergey Voronkov's second volume continues his comprehensive chronicle of Soviet chess, covering the eleventh through fifteenth national championships and the pivotal 1941 title tournament during World War Two.

This historical account combines 84 annotated games with contemporary photographs, memoirs, and documents to reveal the intersection of chess and Soviet politics—including the persecution of players during Stalin's purges and the emergence of future world champions.

Readers gain insight into how Botvinnik and Keres rose to dominance, discover the debuts of Smyslov, Bronstein, and Boleslavsky, and witness the experiences of leading players amid war and ideological upheaval.

Highlights

• 84 games and fragments, mostly annotated by the players themselves and analyzed with modern computer engines
• Around 250 photographs and cartoons from Russian chess magazines and tournament bulletins of the 1930s and 1940s
• Detailed coverage of chess during the Stalinist purges, including the downfall of key figures and the disappearance of prominent players
• First-hand accounts and memoirs from players and cultural observers documenting the era's atmosphere and challenges
• Contextual history of eleven major Soviet championships plus the 1941 match tournament for the absolute title
• Introduction to rising champions Smyslov, Bronstein, and Boleslavsky alongside established masters Flohr and Lilienthal

An essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the complex relationship between chess, politics, and culture in Soviet Russia.

FAQ

How does this volume fit into the larger series?
This is the second of three planned volumes in Voronkov's history of Soviet championships. Volume I, covering earlier championships, won the English Chess Federation's Book of the Year award in 2021. Volume II continues the narrative from 1938 to 1947.

What historical periods and events does the book cover?
The volume spans the eleventh to fifteenth Soviet championships and the 1941 title tournament, with emphasis on the impact of Stalin's purges on chess players, the experience of the chess community during World War Two, and the emergence of new talent alongside established champions.

Who are the main players featured in this volume?
Central figures include Botvinnik and Keres as leading contenders for the world title, along with the debuts and rise of Smyslov, Bronstein, and Boleslavsky. The book also includes games by Flohr, Lilienthal, and many other significant Soviet players of the period.