Mikhail Botvinnik: Master of Strategy : Botvinnik's Best Games 1947-70

Rating:
Summary: An overview of Botvinnik!
Review: A very detailed overview of Botvinnik's career covering his "Golden Years". The book covered the period between 1948 to 1970 whereby he became World Champion and went through the trials and tribulations of losing the championship and winning it back in a rematch on two occasions. This book clearly showed the mental strength of a great player - of his ability to stand up after falling down! The games demonstrated the maturity of Botvinnik over the years. Similar strategic ideas were referenced to earlier games in the book or to his other masterpieces. The analyses were brief and straight to the point. It may be a little difficult for beginners to understand the notes without the guidance of a chess player with considerable strength. This book is most suitable for an intermediate and master strength player. The brief introduction given by Bernard Cafferty at the beginning of the book serves little purpose. It is not Botvinnik's story that is interesting but his games!

Rating:
Summary: An overview of Botvinnik!
Review: A very detailed overview of Botvinnik's career covering his "Golden Years". The book covered the period between 1948 to 1970 whereby he became World Champion and went through the trials and tribulations of losing the championship and winning it back in a rematch on two occasions. This book clearly showed the mental strength of a great player - of his ability to stand up after falling down! The games demonstrated the maturity of Botvinnik over the years. Similar strategic ideas were referenced to earlier games in the book or to his other masterpieces. The analyses were brief and straight to the point. It may be a little difficult for beginners to understand the notes without the guidance of a chess player with considerable strength. This book is most suitable for an intermediate and master strength player. The brief introduction given by Bernard Cafferty at the beginning of the book serves little purpose. It is not Botvinnik's story that is interesting but his games!