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the immortal game
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Praise for:

THE IMMORTAL GAME
A History of Chess
by David Shenk

"Elegant . . .  a true page-turner, and a superb introduction to the game of chess."
— The Wall Street Journal

"Clear, elegant, sophisticated and easy to understand . . . just the thing to get you in the thrall of this ancient game."
— The Los Angeles Times

"Shenk, a spry writer....[offers] a strong case for the game’s bewitching power."
The New York Times Book Review

"Fresh and fascinating...a world-spanning story [Shenk] relates with skill and verve."
The Chicago Sun-Times

"Beguiling . . . [Shenk's] history has an improvisational dexterity that suits its subject."
The Weekly Standard

"Shenk’s book possesses an almost inestimable advantage over the many other publications about chess . . . you can be an utter novice, just a simple wood-pusher, and enjoy the author's engaging prose, honest self-deprecation (he's a lousy player) and the charm of his personal connection with the game."
The Washington Post

"Shenk writes with passion and grace. The Immortal Game is a book both for die-hard chess players and anyone who is acquainted with one."
The Dallas Morning News

"A bravura demonstration of the art of storytelling."
The Globe and Mail (Canada)

"An enriching and inviting prism through which to view and better understand history in general."
Albuquerque Journal

"Everyone, from expert to patzer, will find something to admire about Shenk's investigation into our most-beloved board game."
The Wichita Eagle

"Fun, factual, and a good read... Not a reference book to be stored on a shelf [but] a book to be read and enjoyed, and even read again... buy this book!"
Chess Life

"A thrilling tour. . . . an engaging, colorful look at a world that blissfully remains black-and-white."
Entertainment Weekly

"Fascinating...[Shenk] writes about chess history with contagious zest."
Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Brilliantly conceived . . . You won’t find a more lucid and captivating exploration of [chess]."
The Toronto Star

"Shenk weaves a masterful tale that all readers can enjoy, no matter how little they know about chess."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"An enjoyable read. . . . we all profit from [Shenk's] late blooming interest with [chess]."
— The Washington Times

"Shenk’s desire to discuss chess as metaphor comes as a refreshing change of pace from the popular abuse of the game’s vocabulary."
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Wonderful . . . a book filled with daring moves and cunning patience."
— Stephen J. Dubner, coauthor of Freakonomics

"I loved this book . . . Like a great chess game, this is an achievement that will be talked about for many years to come."
— Simon Winchester, author of The Professor and the Madman
 

"With the depth and insight of a grandmaster, The Immortal Game explores and explains not only the addictive power of chess but its shockingly important, Zelig-like role in the history of humankind."
— Stefan Fatsis, author of Word Freak
 
""David Shenk takes us millennia back and light years ahead."
— Bruce Pandolfini, legendary chess instructor

— Purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Indiebound.

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