While Bobby Fischer is among the all-time great players and deserving of study, there is little that is new, chess-wise, in this book, and the occasional interesting anecdote doesn’t outweigh the fact that much of what is covered here has been covered before. For those who want to learn more about the human side of Fischer, this is worth a look. If you’ve already learned as much as you wish about him or mostly want to study his games, this is not the book for you.

The book consists of contributions from seven authors; they vary from Grandmasters Gufeld and Unzicker to publisher Bob Long. The bulk of the coverage, however, comes from Gufeld – 98 of the book’s 183 pages of material. Unfortunately, much of Gufeld’s writing consists of recitation of facts already known. Indeed, lots of the text is quoted from other sources. Of course, if you have never heard of Fischer or are just getting started in chess, these might prove new. For many players, however, this is ground that has already been plowed.

Gufeld’s submission comes from somebody who knew and liked Fischer, and if you are a big Bobby fan, you will probably enjoy this. At the same time, lots of the discussion is historic – Bobby played in this tournament and did this at the World Championship match sort of stuff that has been covered before.

After Gufeld’s half-book contribution, there are a variety of authors and topics. Next comes Carlos Almarza-Mato, who analyzes Fischer’s style and method of play. This includes decent annotation and analysis of 10 of Fischer’s games – the only such coverage in the book (with the exception of two simul games). However, this is not original material – it first appeared in 1999 editions of the Scottish Correspondence Chess Association Magazine. Still, at just over 33 pages, it is probably the high point of the book

The book continues with yet another discussion of the events leading up to and during the 1972 World Championship match in Reykjavik between Fischer and Spassky, told this time by Gudmundur Thorarinsson. I wonder if there are any chess players on the planet who haven’t gotten their fill of this 32 year-old story. The book also includes a short chapter on Mike Morris’ simul game with Fischer from 1964, Grandmaster Wolfgang Unzicker provides two pages on meeting Fischer (reprinted from a previous book), FM Bragi Kristjansson discusses Fischer in Europe and in print, and publisher Bob Long provides his memories of Fischer from events he attended. The book closes with five pages of photographs, many of which I had not seen. There are other photos included throughout the book’s text, and this is one of its strong points – although I’m not sure exactly why photos of Fischer with Mrs. Filip and Mrs. Geller in their swimsuits (Fischer looks a tad overdressed in a suit) are included.

As noted above, this is not a book about Fischer the player as much as Fischer the personality. There are only 27 of his games given in full, and only the 10 in the chapter by Almarza-Mato could be said to include penetrating analysis. If you choose to buy this book, understand that it is the discussion of Fischer that is paramount rather than his games.

The book has a nice layout, with many photos and a straightforward double column format that uses clear, readable fonts and printing.

In conclusion, if you’re a Fischer fanatic or one who has not read much about Fischer the person, this is the book for you. If, however, you’re more interesting in his games or have read other books about Fischer, you can likely do without this book.