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 |
