Smyslov on the Couch

By Genna Sosonko,

Book cover of Smyslov on the Couch

Book description

In his third full-length memoir about one of the world’s greatest ever chess players Genna Sosonko portrays a warm picture of the seventh world champion Vasily Smyslov, with whom he spent considerable time over the board, during tournaments and while meeting at each other’s homes. Smyslov the man was far…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Smyslov on the Couch as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Genna Sosonko – a strong grandmaster in the 1970s and 1980s – knew the top players of his generation intimately and has written many brilliant portraits of these demon-riddled geniuses.

Sosonko’s portrayal of the last years of the 7th World Champion Smyslov – nicknamed “The Hand” for the peerless intuition that automatically placed pieces on the right squares – is a moving account of old age that brought tears to my eyes.

Smyslov’s later years were spent alone with his wife in a vast, rich house that, just like its occupants, inexorably decayed as – blinded by the fear…

From Matthew's list on (in)famous chess players.

Want books like Smyslov on the Couch?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 49 books like Smyslov on the Couch.

Browse books like Smyslov on the Couch

Book cover of The Ink War: Romanticism versus Modernity in Chess
Book cover of Masterpieces and Dramas of the Soviet Championships: Volume I (1920-1937)
Book cover of Soviet Outcast

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,588

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in chess, the Soviet Union, and London?

Chess 55 books
The Soviet Union 380 books
London 869 books