Description

Book Synopsis
Chess world champion Mirko Czentovic is travelling on an ocean liner to Buenos Aires. Dull-witted in all but chess, he entertains himself on board by allowing others to challenge him in the game, before beating each of them and taking their money. But there is another passenger with a passion for chess: Dr B, previously driven to insanity during Nazi imprisonment by the chess games in his imagination. But in agreeing to take on Czentovic, what price will Dr B ultimately pay? A moving portrait of one man's madness, The Royal Game: a chess story is a searing examination of the power of the mind and the evil it can do.

Trade Review
'Perhaps the best chess story ever written, perhaps the best about any game. Never mind that you may have never moved a pawn to King four; the story will grip you.' - Economist

'The novella is one of Zweig's most horrifying investigations into monomania and at the same time a parable of the dangers inherent in engaging with Nazism.' - Ruth Franklin

'A Chess Story by Stefan Zweig; the games our minds play.' - Candia McWilliam

The Royal Game: A Chess Story

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Stefan Zweig, Alexander Starritt

    £7.99

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Fri 6 Nov 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Pushkin Press
      Published 4 November 2021
      ISBN-13 9781782278269
      978-1782278269
      ISBN-10 1782278265
      Also in:
      Classics Board games: Chess Toys, Puzzles & Games Books by Stefan Zweig

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Chess world champion Mirko Czentovic is travelling on an ocean liner to Buenos Aires. Dull-witted in all but chess, he entertains himself on board by allowing others to challenge him in the game, before beating each of them and taking their money. But there is another passenger with a passion for chess: Dr B, previously driven to insanity during Nazi imprisonment by the chess games in his imagination. But in agreeing to take on Czentovic, what price will Dr B ultimately pay? A moving portrait of one man's madness, The Royal Game: a chess story is a searing examination of the power of the mind and the evil it can do.

      Trade Review
      'Perhaps the best chess story ever written, perhaps the best about any game. Never mind that you may have never moved a pawn to King four; the story will grip you.' - Economist

      'The novella is one of Zweig's most horrifying investigations into monomania and at the same time a parable of the dangers inherent in engaging with Nazism.' - Ruth Franklin

      'A Chess Story by Stefan Zweig; the games our minds play.' - Candia McWilliam

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