Bobby Fischer Goes to War: The True Story of How the Soviets Lost the Most Extraordinary Chess Match of All Time - Hardcover

Edmonds, David; Eidinow, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0571214118 ISBN 13: 9780571214112

Publisher: Faber and Faber, 2004

Synopsis

Since 1948, the USSR had dominated the World Chess Championships - evidence, Moscow claimed, of the superiority of the Soviet system. But then came Bobby Fischer.

A dysfunctional genius, Fischer was uniquely equipped to take on the Soviets. His every waking hour was devoted to the game. He had steamrollered all opposition to reach the championship. When he became increasingly volatile, Henry Kissinger phoned him, urging Fischer to fight for his country.

Against him was Spassky: complex, sensitive, the most un-Soviet of champions. As the authors reveal, when Spassky began to lose, the KGB decided to step in.

Drawing upon unpublished Soviet and US records, this is a fascinating story of history, politics and chess. And at its core it is a human tragedy, a story of brilliance and triumph, hubris and despair.

About this title

Review:

‘The most famous chess match of all time is reconstructed in a style as compelling as that of a thriller' -- Irish Times

‘This is an excellent book, and you do not need to play chess to enjoy it.' -- Sunday Telegraph

Book Description:

Bobby Fischer Goes to War by David Edmonds and John Eidinow details the occasion when Bobby Fischer met Boris Spassky in one of the most thrilling and politically charged chess matches of all time.

About this edition

• Publisher: Faber and Faber
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0571214118
• ISBN 13: 9780571214112
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 302