Description
Book Synopsis This is the most complete and thorough biography of Jose Raul Capablanca, one of the greatest players in the history of chess. Beginning with his family background, birth, childhood and introduction to the game in Cuba, it examines his life and play as a young man; follows his evolution as a player and rise to prominence, first as challenger and then world champion; his loss of the title to Alekhine and his efforts to recapture the championship in the last years of his too-short life. What emerges is a portrait of a complex man with far-ranging interests and concerns, in stark contrast to his robotic reputation as the chess machine.
Meticulously researched, utilizing many sources available only in Capablanca''s home country, it puts truth to legend regarding a man who stood astride the chess world in of its most dynamic and dramatic eras. Numerous games and diagrams complement the text, as do a wealth of photographs.
Trade ReviewEven the most ardent Capa fan will learn something new from Sanchez's very readable book." -
Chess Life"Meticulously researched...a welcome addition...first rate...highly recommended." - IM John Donaldson (
JeremySilman.com)
"Amazing...substantial research...a nice addition to any chess library." -
Huffington Post "A luxurious work and a true labor of love...remarkable and well-researched." -
ChessBase "The first major biographical study of Capablanca in over 25 years." -
Mind's Eye Press "The elegant volume is both a biography, a manual of history and an excellent collection of annotated games." -
Que Pasa en VenezuelaTable of Contents
- Foreword by Andy Soltis
- Preface
- 1. Havana the Eldorado of Chess
- 2. Tadeo's Saga
- 3. The Boy Prodigy
- 4. Champion of the Americas
- 5. The Prodigal Son
- 6. The New Conquistador
- 7. In Morphy's Footsteps
- 8. A King in Waiting
- 9. The World Chess Championship, 1921
- 10. The Crowned King
- 11. Slipups at the Summit
- 12. More Challenges, New Triumphs
- 13. The World Chess Championship, 1927
- 14. The Eternal Challenger
- 15. Twilight Intermezzo
- 16. Smiling Again
- 17. The Silent Killer
- 18. His Last Bow
- Epilogue
- Capablanca's Matches
- Appendix I: Capablanca on Four Great Predecessors
- (Articulos sobre sus predecesores en Crítica, 1927)
- Appendix II: "The Illness and Death of José Raúl Capablanca," by Dr. Orlando Hernández-Meilán, Neurologist
- Chapter Notes
- Bibliography
- Index of Images
- Index of Opponents
- Index of Openings (by Traditional Name)
- Index of Openings (by ECO Code)
- General Index
