Edited by Ken Neat. Approx. 220 pp. with many diagrams
The passing of David Bronstein was the saddest chess news of 2006, but at
least his many fans now have the chance to read his collection of memoirs and
games from his long career. Much of the material appeared in Russian several
years ago, but this is the first English translation. Bronstein's love of the
game, and his special rapport with chess amateurs, shines through especially
strongly. English players will find details of his visits to Hastings,
appearances for Charlton in the London League, and friendship with numerous
chess fans in the UK. Lovers of more sinister gossip and conspiracy theories
will enjoy his account of the alleged shenanigans at Zurich 1953, and his secret
preparation with Korchnoi bevor the latter's 1974 match with Karpov. Any lover
of chess will find hours of delight in this book, which is a worthy tribute to
one of the games immortals.
Review by Steve Giddins.
David Bronstein describes the chess personalities he has met in various
countries over the past decade, and annotates 40 of his best games from this
period. He also recalls the most significant events from his earlier career,
gives his impressions of contemporaries such as Larsen, Spassky and Korchnoi
(including a secret training match against the latter played in 1971), and
expresses his outspoken views on modern chess.