The Immortal Game

By David Shenk,

Book cover of The Immortal Game: A History of Chess

Book description

A fresh, engaging look at how 32 carved pieces on a Chess board forever changed our understanding of war, art, science, and the human brain.

Chess is the most enduring and universal game in history. Here, bestselling author David Shenk chronicles its intriguing saga, from ancient Persia to medieval Europe…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Immortal Game as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The brilliance of Shenk’s book is that even someone who didn’t know the basic rules of chess would be enthralled by the backdrops of the game he introduces to the reader. Chess is played around the world by hundreds of millions of people and Shenk delves into the reasons why the game has such perversely addictive appeal. 

From Brin-Jonathan's list on the world of chess.

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