Chess has developed such a large body of myth and folklore that sorting fact from fiction is not easy. As with Edward Winter's previous volumes in his "Chess Notes" series—
Chess Explorations
(1996),
Kings, Commoners and Knaves
(1999) and
A Chess Omnibus
(2003)—this work (the first from McFarland) features in-depth research into chess lore, corrections of popular misconceptions, biographical notes on famous players, and authenticated quotations. There is a rich selection of forgotten games, and many items include contributions from the author's correspondents worldwide. Written for the general chess enthusiast and the devotee of chess history, the book is illustrated with 219 rare photographs and 210 diagrams of chess positions. The book concludes with a comprehensive bibliography and indexes of players, games and openings, illustrations, and general subjects.