AMOS BURN, A CHESS BIOGRAPHY by Richard Forster
One of the final four in the battle for the 2004 BCM Book of the Year Award (won by PAL BENKO: MY LIFE, GAMES and COMPOSITIONS), this gargantuan tome is nearly 1,000-pages long! It’s not cheap, but if you love chess history then this is a must buy. IM Forster deserves credit for doing a truly magnificent job.
COMPLETE GAMES OF ALEKHINE, VOLUME I 1892-1921 by Kalendovsky & Fiala
COMPLETE GAMES OF ALEKHINE, VOLUME II 1921-24 by Kalendovsky & Fiala
These two books on Alekhine feature poor translations into English, but absolutely wonderful historical data about the 4th World Champion’s chaotic, fascinating life. I love these books! (1000 on up)
GARRY KASPAROV ON MY GREAT PREDECESSORS, PART 1 by Kasparov
GARRY KASPAROV ON MY GREAT PREDECESSORS, PART 2 by Kasparov
GARRY KASPAROV ON MY GREAT PREDECESSORS, PART 3 by Kasparov
A great series that must be in every chess library. (1000 on up)
REUBEN FINE - A COMPREHENSIVE RECORD OF AN AMERICAN CHESS CAREER by Aidan Woodger
For many years, Reuben Fine was one of the top two or three players in the world. He eventually gave up the game for a career in Freudian psychoanalysis. This book reminds us of just how great this often forgotten player was. (1000 on up)
THE RELIABLE PAST by Genna Sosonko
RUSSIAN SILHOUETTES by Genna Sosonko
These two books by Sosonko have no annotated games or instruction of any kind. Instead, they tell us of the intimate lives of many chess greats, and allow us to relive moments in chess history that most never dreamed of. Both are absolutely wonderful and no student of chess history should be without them. (For everyone who loves the game of chess.)
SOVIET CHESS by Andy Soltis
Another home run by grandmaster Soltis. A fascinating look into the world of Soviet chess. (1000 on up)
THE STEINITZ PAPERS edited by Kurt Landsberger
The personal papers of the 1st World Champion. (History buffs will be delighted.)
WALTER PENN SHIPLEY by John S. Hilbert
John Hilbert is one of the finest chess historians in the world, and his books are often amazing testaments to the players they represent. Most modern players won’t be familiar with Shipley, but after reading this wonderful book, they will possess a firm grasp not only of Shipley’s life and numerous contributions to the game, but also of the times he lived in. (History buffs will be delighted.)
