Edward Winter Knihy

Chess has developed such a large body of myth and folklore that sorting fact from fiction is not easy. As with Edward Winter's previous volumes in his "Chess Notes" series--Chess Explorations (1996), Kings, Commoners and Knaves (1999) and A Chess Omnibus (2003)--this work (the first from McFarland) features in-depth research into chess lore, corrections of popular misconceptions, biographical notes on famous players, and authenticated quotations. There is a rich selection of forgotten games, and many items include contributions from the author's correspondents worldwide. Written for the general chess enthusiast and the devotee of chess history, the book is illustrated with 219 rare photographs and 210 diagrams of chess positions. The book concludes with a comprehensive bibliography and indexes of players, games and openings, illustrations, and general subjects.

This compendium provides an enormous amount of documentary data, usefully organized, much of it unseen since original (and often obscure) publication. Writings are by and about Capablanca; the minute details of his life and games proceed chronologically; the controversies of his career are especially well documented. The book has a games and positions index, an index of openings, a general index, and 26 rare photographs on glossy plates.