A World of Chess - by Jean-Louis Cazaux & Rick Knowlton (Paperback)

About the Book

" An immense and deeply researched accounting of not only the history of the Persian and Arab game familiar to most Westerners for the past 500 years but also (a) the similar offshoots going back 1500 years, (b) the evolution of strategic board games over the past 1500 years, and (c) the many more recent chess variants"--

Book Synopsis

With more than 400 illustrations, and detailed maps, this immense and deeply researched account of the history of chess covers not only the modern international game, derived from Persian and Arab roots, but a broad spectrum of variants going back 1500 years, some of which are still played in various parts of the world. The evolution of strategic board games, especially in India, China and Japan, is discussed in detail. Many more recent chess variants (board sizes, new pieces, 3-D, etc.) are fully covered. Instructions for play are provided, with historical context, for every game presented.

Review Quotes

"the definitive work for those who want to learn how not only the modern game of chess has evolved, but its many variants which date back 1500 years and are still played in various parts of the world"-IM John Donaldson (JeremySilman.com); "impressive account of the history of chess.... Certainly one of the most interesting reads on the history of chess!"-Chessbooks.nl; "Cazaux takes a deep look at the origins of chess, while Knowlton is something of an expert on chess variants of which he discusses a great number. As usual for McFarland, lavish illustrations abound."-Chess; "deeply researched"-ChessCafe; "a thoroughly researched work that not only introduces a wide variety of chess variants, but will act as a wonderful and unique reference to the field of chess and game history"-Mind's Eye Press.

About the Author

Jean-Louis Cazaux of Toulouse, France, is an accomplished author of chess and board game history. A scientist by profession, his breadth of knowledge and careful research bring chess history to its highest level. Rick Knowlton of Sarasota, Florida, has both studied and recreated historic chess sets from an early age. With a background in fine arts, he uses the Internet to bring chess variants and novelties to a worldwide audience.