The Immortal Game by David Shenk is a fascinating book on the history of chess, with each chapter containing a few moves in the famous immortal game played between Adolf Anderssen and Lional Kieseritzky in London in 1851.
The prologue introduces us to the famous artist Marcel Duchamp who later gave up art to become a chess master addicted to chess. Shenk compared Duchamp's chess addiction to that of a virus that infects the thoughts of its human host. Chess has had that affect on some individuals who found chess the most intriguing of all games.
The introduction covers the origins and early years of chess and how it evolved to the game we know today. It also includes examples of periods when chess was banned or discouraged.
The first chapter deals with the origins of chess, including the myths of who invented the game. This is followed by the author's introduction to chess and the first move of the immortal game between Anderssen and Kieseritzky. The game, with its King Gambit Accepted opening, is well annotated throughout the book, including chess diagrams on all of the moves. The first chapter also has a brief description of Anderssen and Kieseritzky.
Chapter 2, titled House of Wisdom deals with chess and the Muslim Renaissance and influence. The original game of chatrang is now called shatranj and played or supported by the Caliphs. This section is followed by move 2 of the immortal game and some more firsthand experience with chess by the author.
Chapter 3 covers the medieval period and how chess spread throughout Europe. There is a section devoted to the Lewis chessmen and to a chess book comparing chess with the morals of men. This book by Cessolis was almost as popular as the Bible. Medieval poets also wrote about romantic love, and used chess as a way to convey it. The section is followed by move 3 of the immortal game.
Chapter 4 covers more evolution of chess, such as the development of the powerful queen move and new uniform rules of chess. This period also led to use of chess as a metaphor in literature. Shenk also introduces the reader to the nearly infinite possibilities of chess moves and total number of unique chess games. The section is then followed by moves 4 and 5 of the immortal game.
Chapter 5 deals with chess during the Enlightenment period. This chapter includes Benjamin Franklin's connection with chess, including his essay on the Morals of Chess. He also introduces Greco, Philidor, Rousseau and others who were involved with chess during this period. Moves 6 and 7 of the immortal game follows this chapter, including the author's own introduction to chess books and tournaments.
Chapter 6 covers the early to mid 19th century, including Napoleons's involvement in chess as well as chess master Samuel Rosenthal. It turns our that Samuel Rosenthal, a lesser known master, is related to the author. Rosenthal is the author's great-great-grandfather. This chapter is followed by moves 8 and 9 of the immortal game.
Chapter 7 is titled Chunking and Tasking. This chapter covers the work of psychologist Alfred Binet, who was curious how chess masters play blindfold chess. Also included in this chapter are modern investigations of how chess players think, including the works of Adriaan De Groot and Chase and Simon, who developed the theory of chunking as a memory technique. There is also a section devoted to the Polgar girls and chess. The chapter is followed by moves 10 and 11 of the immortal game.
Chapter 8 deals with Paul Morphy, the pride and sorrow of chess, and Bobby Fischer. The author provides a short list of other chess victims that suffered from mental problems in later life. The title of this chapter is Chess and the Shattered Mind. Moves 12 through 16 of the immortal game follow this chapter.
Chapter 9 is titled Chess and Totalitarianism in the Twentieth Century. The chapter deals with Alekhine, Jews, and the rise of chess in the Soviet Union. Moves 17 through 19 of the immortal game follow this chapter.
Chapter 10 cover the Hypermodern school of chess and some more coverage of Duchamp and chess. Moves 20 and 21 of the immortal game follow this chapter.
Chapter 11 deals with chess, Alan Turing, and chess computers. A section is devoted to Garry Kasparov playing against some of the best chess computers in the world. Moves 22 and 23 (checkmate) of the immortal game follow this chapter. Anderssen sacrifices his Queen to deliver checkmate with his Bishop, supported by his well-place Knights.
Chapter 12 is titled The Next War - Chess and the Future of Human Intelligence. The chapter deals with the game's modern appeal, the benefits of chess, and teaching chess to young kids.
The book ends with the author discovering a sketch of his great-great grandfather, Samuel Rosenthal, at Simpson's on the Strand in London, where the Immortal Game was played. The book also includes a fine appendix on the rules of chess, five other great games from history, Franklin's "The Morals of Chess," and a final section of sources and notes.
A very enjoyable book of over 300 pages that covers a wide range of chess topics, and a well annotated game that some consider the most remarkable chess game ever played.
