Chess Lists, 2d ed.

by Andrew Soltis

The best, the worst, the shortest, the oddest, the longest, the most deceitful, the most memorable, the most brilliant, the dumbest--of players, games, matches, tournaments, books, ideas, etc. The lists are replete with background detail and exact facts--this second edition of Soltis's classic 1984 book is altogether an essential part of any chess collection and a browser's delight. The new edition contains 25 percent more lists, games, diagrams and annotations. The majority of lists from the first edition have been updated or expanded--or both.

257 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2002

Reviews

[TrumanCoyote · Rating 4 out of 5]

A veritable (and proverbial) treasure trove of arcana and fascinating tidbits. However, I must say that Soltis often comes across as a decidedly priggish presence, and his frequent high-handedness at assessing the performances of illustrious players of the past is similarly unappealing. He always used to be one of my favorite chess writers/personalities, with an easy affability which was most inviting. Either he has grown rather cantankerous in his dotage, or else he has always been like this and I just never noticed it until now. :(