The World of Chess
by Jean-Louis Cazaux, Rick Knowlton
Category: Games & Activities

With more than 400 illustrations, and detailed maps, this immense and deeply researched account of the history of chess covers not only the Persian and Arab game familiar to most Westerners for the past 500 years, but also variants going back 1500 years that are still being played in some parts of the world. The evolution of strategic board games, especially in India, China and Japan, is discussed in detail. The many more recent chess variants (board sizes, new pieces, 3-D etc.) are fully covered. Instructions for play are provided, with historical context, for every form of the game. Includes information about chess history, chess variants, fairy chess, shogi, shatranj, and xiangqi. “The definitive work for those who want to learn how not only the modern game of chess has evolved, but its many variants which date back 1500 years and are still played in various parts of the world”—IM John Donaldson (JeremySilman.com)“Impressive account of the history of chess.... Certainly one of the most interesting reads on the history of chess!”—Chessbook Reviews“A thoroughly researched work that not only introduces a wide variety of chess variants, but will act as a wonderful and unique reference to the field of chess and game history”—Mind’s Eye Press