THE IMMORTAL GAME A History of Chess & Its Consequences

This exegesis on the game of chess presents a strategic problem for the narrator. It's an informal collection of history, lore, and personal reflection, apparently intended for casual inquirers as well as aficionados of the game. Does the performer play it slow so that the intricacies of rules and play register with the listener, adopt a brisker pace to hold interest, or vary the pace based on the complexity of given passages? John H. Mayer has chosen to adopt an amiable, relaxed tone and measured tempo throughout. Thus, he loses much of the author's enthusiasm. He is rarely as animated as his author--indeed he often sounds tired and forced. Despite his admirable expressiveness, his delivery is not as interesting as it could be. Y.R. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 07]