Chess Facts and Fables

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.

Edward Winter is an author, journalist, archivist and “the world’s most renowned chess historian” (in the words of Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan). He began Chess Notes in 1982.

Edward Winter
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 395
Bibliographic Info: 219 photos, 210 diagrams, references, indexes
Copyright Date: 2006
pISBN: 978-0-7864-2310-1
Imprint: McFarland

Preface      vii

References      ix

I. Positions      1

II. Games      21

III. Miscellaneous      67

IV. Biography      149

V. Gaffes      226

VI. Mysteries      257

VII. Quotes      312

Afterword      340

Book List      341

Index of Games and Positions      353

Index of Openings      357

Index of Illustrations      358

General Index      361

“fascinating…great read”—Chess Life; “the debt the chess world owes to Winter is vast”—Chess; “a welcome addition to many private chess libraries…chess illustrations and photographs from the 19th century are fairly hard to find and so their wealth in the Winter books is simply fascinating. Those who are fond of chess history should buy the book”—Quarterly for Chess History; “the reader will find a wealth of interesting positions, game scores, photographs, stories and observations that will fascinate any lover of the royal game and intrigue those with an interest in its history—especially those who like to get to the truth…the chess world owes [Winter] a big debt of thanks…strongly recommend”—IM John Donaldson (JeremySilman.com); “marvelous…fun to read”—Winnipeg Free Press; “the production values are high…meticulously documented. There is something in here to delight everyone who loves chess. Edward Winter has masterfully demonstrated once again that chess history does not have to be distorted to be ‘fun’”—Georgia Chess; “a wonderful treasure trove…perfect for browsing”—The Compulsive Reader.