THE IMMORTAL GAME A History of Chess, or How 32 Carved Pieces on a Board Illuminated Our Understanding of War, Art, Science and the Human Brain

You don't have to be Garry Kasparov--or even a chess player--to find David Shenk's history of chess fascinating. While he does include a play-by-play on one famous match, his book isn't a dry account of moving pieces around a board. Instead, it looks at aspects such as chess's role in military tactics (and Napoleon's final days), diplomacy, and artificial intelligence. Rick Adamson brings Shenk's enthusiasm for chess to listeners' ears, making games, people, and events come alive. Adamson delivers the anecdotes in Shenk's lively conversational style, letting listeners in on Shenk's passion for the 64-square game. You won't be a grandmaster when you're done, but you'll understand the obsession that fuels champions. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]