A Masterful Checkmate: Chess Through the Looking Glass
Barry Martin, a celebrated chess contributor for EyeOnLondon, and Grandmaster Raymond Keene OBE bring us an absolute treat with their co-authored book Chess Through the Looking Glass. This collection of over 40 essays, originally featured in TheArticle and EyeOnLondon, is a fantastic celebration of the weird, wonderful, and endlessly fascinating world of chess. Whether you’re a seasoned player or someone who can barely tell a pawn from a bishop, this book has something for everyone. And with Christmas around the corner, it’s the perfect gift for the chess enthusiast in your life (or even a cheeky treat for yourself).
“Chess is not just about moves and tactics; it’s about the stories it tells and the emotions it stirs.”
— Barry Martin
From the get-go, the Editor’s foreword sets the tone, celebrating chess’s timeless appeal and its ability to draw in everyone from casual players to lifelong fanatics. What follows is a brilliant mix of essays that’ll have you laughing, learning, and nodding along in agreement. Barry Martin’s artistic eye adds another layer of depth to the book, with his famous Grandmaster portraits stealing the show. (Did you know his portrayal of Viktor Korchnoi hangs in the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame?)
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The essays take you through the ages, looking at how chess has evolved and how it reflects the times we live in. Priced at £38.95, this book is excellent value given the intellectual rigour and specialist insights it delivers. You’ll find stories about legendary games, modern controversies, and even how technology, such as chess engines and AI, is shaking things up. Raymond Keene’s razor-sharp insights bring these moments to life, and his knack for storytelling makes even the most complex games feel like edge-of-your-seat dramas.
A Celebration of Chess Artistry
One of the best bits? The way the book captures the sheer artistry of chess. Martin’s love for the creative side of the game shines through, whether he’s talking about the design of the pieces or the beauty of a perfectly executed strategy. His enthusiasm for the game is contagious as he explains that it is not just about moves and tactics but the stories the game tells and the emotions it stirs. After reading this book, expect to find yourself looking at that old chess set in a whole new light.
“Raymond Keene brings chess’s greatest moments to life with his brilliant storytelling.”
The book doesn’t shy away from celebrating the greats, either. From Kasparov’s daring play to Carlsen’s tech-savvy brilliance, the authors pay tribute to the legends who’ve shaped the game. But they also shine a spotlight on the rising stars, reminding us that chess is constantly evolving and inspiring new generations of players.
Why This Book Stands Out
What makes Chess Through the Looking Glass so special is how it combines deep knowledge with a light, engaging tone. It’s smart without being stuffy, fun without being frivolous. If you’re looking for a book that’ll make you think, laugh, and maybe even fall in love with chess all over again, this is it.
So, whether you’re shopping for the chess enthusiast in your life or just want to curl up with something interesting over the holidays, Chess Through the Looking Glass is a top pick. Barry Martin and Raymond Keene have delivered a masterful checkmate with this one. Why not treat yourself and maybe even challenge a friend to a game while you’re at it?
You can purchase Chess Through the Looking Glass here on Amazon.
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