The Immortal Game: A History Of Chess, Or How 32 Carved Pieces On A Board Illuminated Our Understanding Of War, Art, Science, And The Human Brain

In his wide-ranging and ever-fascinating examination of chess, Shenk gleefully unearths the hidden history of a game that seems so simple yet contains infinity.

Chess is the most enduring and universal game in history. Here, bestselling author David Shenk chronicles its intriguing saga, from ancient Persia to medieval Europe to the dens of Benjamin Franklin and Norman Schwarzkopf. Along the way, he examines a single legendary game that took place in London in 1851 between two masters of the time, and relays his own attempts to become as skilled as his Polish ancestor Samuel Rosenthal, a nineteenth-century champion. With its blend of cultural history and Shenk's personal interest, "The Immortal Game" is a compelling guide for novices and aficionados alike.