What's the best way to learn chess? Great Learning Chess Through History blends the intricacies of chess play with the game's compelling and colorful history, putting real people at the 64 squares.
Tracing the development of chess from its origins in ancient India, the authors take the student on a far-ranging journey through the palaces of medieval and Renaissance Europe to the cafés of the Enlightenment and the dawn of the Industrial Age, with a focus on the leading personalities of the royal game and on their contributions to understanding of it. Rogues and champions, tragic as well as inspirational human stories all serve as the backdrop for illustrative games and exercises of increasing complexity highlighting their discoveries, and invite the student to grasp the potential of chess to fascinate.
Much more than a primer for beginning chess players and their teachers, Great Moves shines a light on the lives of famous players of bygone eras, helping experienced players to fill in the gaps in their chess culture.
I like reading chess books but almost all chess authors are extremely dry when trying to convey concepts on paper. Bobby Fischer's book is a wealth of information, concisely put with the associated states of the game.
This book takes turns exploring the origins of chess, introducing notable figures in chess and in which way they contributed to the meta. This book is not only a fun history book but allows you to learn chess through history.
This book was phenomenal and although it's intended audience isn't 1500+ players looking to gain an advantage, it has been a spark in my journey of chess allowing me quickly to understand Chess basics and the vocabulary in the world of Chess.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone who may have an interest in chess and find history fascinating. The very well organized chapters offer instruction for the young reader through the progression of chess through the centuries. Closing each chapter with a short quiz that helps in understanding the material. Excellent explanation of various classic games by the masters that drive home the point of each skill that they have acquired over time.