A short century of chess

Ever wondered what chess was like at the turn of the 20th century? Curious about the legendary players who paved the way for modern chess theory? On his blog, Sam Kahn has taken us on an intriguing journey through a pivotal decade in chess history. And now, he has converted his blog into a book format. But what makes these historical games interesting? And how do they still resonate with players today? With expert annotations and rich historical context, this book promises to be more than just a collection of old games. Read on to discover see if A Century of Chess might be the missing piece in your chess library.

If you like these reviews, please consider supporting my work. Visit my patreon page for details.
Become a Patron!

What can you expect from this book?

Sam Kahn is a devoted chess amateur who has written a blog on chess history since 2021. On his blog, he explains the background andnpurpose of what has grown to become a massive project.

I’d been playing through historical games on my phone for a while, but I felt that I wanted to share what I was learning and to put it together in a systemized way.

A Century of Chess provides readers with a deep dive into the chess landscape of the early 1900s. Kahn has  selected games from 1900 to 1909, offering a chronological journey through this transformative period. Each chapter focuses on a specific year, showcasing the most brilliant and influential games of the era.

Kahn's commitment shines through in his rich historical narratives, providing context for each game and offering insights into the players, tournaments, and broader chess culture of the time. His writing brings to life legendary figures like Emanuel Lasker, Géza Maróczy, and Harry Nelson Pillsbury, helping readers understand their playing styles, personalities, and contributions to chess.

While Kahn focuses on the historical aspects and player profiles, the game annotations are expertly handled by Cyrus Lakdawala and Carsten Hansen. Lakdawala has annotated the majority of the games, displaying his characteristic style in which he combines education and entertainment. This combination offers readers a multi-faceted understanding of each game.

The book goes beyond just famous players, shedding light on lesser-known figures and tournaments, providing a comprehensive view of the chess world in the early 1900s. It also traces the evolution of chess theory during this crucial decade, highlighting innovative moves and ideas that were groundbreaking for their time.

Visually, the book is well-designed with clear diagrams at critical points in each game, often accompanied by thought-provoking questions or exercises. This encourages active engagement with the material, making it not just a historical document but also a valuable learning tool for improving players. 

Who should read this book?

A Century of Chess is ideal for chess enthusiasts with a keen interest in the game's history and a desire to deepen their understanding of classical chess. While players rated 1800 and above will likely derive the most benefit from the in-depth annotations, the book's engaging historical narratives and player profiles make it accessible to a broader audience. It's an excellent resource for those looking to expand their chess knowledge beyond modern theory, offering insights into the game's evolution and the timeless principles demonstrated by the masters of the early 20th century. However, beginners or those unfamiliar with chess notation may find some sections challenging, and readers primarily interested in cutting-edge opening theory might prefer more contemporary resources.

About this book

Author:	Sam Kahn
Title:	A century of chess
Type of book:	Biography, Chess history, Game collection
Level:	Any