The chess artist : genius, obsession, and the world's oldest game / J.C. Hallman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hallman, J. C.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Hallman, J. C.

Chess--Anecdotes.

Chess.

Chess--History.

History.

Hallman, J. C--Travel--Russia (Federation)--Kalmykii͡a.

Travel.

Russia (Federation).

Russia (Federation)--Kalmykii︠a︡.

Genre:

Anecdotes.

Physical Description:

vii, 334 pages : illustrations, 1 map ; 25 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : T. Dunne Books, 2003.

Summary:

A passionate celebration of chess obsession and all its related oddities. In the tiny Russian province of Kalmykia, obsession with chess has reached new heights. Its leader, an eccentric millionaire named Kirsan Ilyumzhinov--ruthless dictator, alleged murderer, and former chess prodigy--has dedicated his impoverished nation to the game. Exploring the obsessive hold chess exerts over its followers, Hallman examines the history and evolution of the game and the people who dedicate their lives to it. From traveling to Kalmykia to challenge a dictator to a match and touring New York's legendary chess district to crashing the Princeton Math Department game party and playing chess with a convicted murderer in prison, Hallman transforms an entertaining weaving of travelogue, journalism, and chess history into a compulsively readable narrative.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 333-334).

ISBN:

0312272936

OCLC:

52216183