Why read Masterpieces and Dramas of the Soviet Championships?

Book cover of Masterpieces and Dramas of the Soviet Championships: Volume I (1920-1937)

Book description

*****English Chess Federation Book of the Year 2021*****

In his three-volume treatise, leading Russian chess historian Sergey Voronkov vividly brings to life the long-forgotten history of the Soviet championships held in 1920-1953. Volume I covers the first 10 championships from 1920-1937, as well as the title match between Botvinnik and…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Masterpieces and Dramas of the Soviet Championships as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Matthew Sadler

Author

Between 1920 and 1945, the strength of Soviet chess exploded, propelling Soviet players to the top of the chess world – a status held in a vice-like grip for many years after.

There was no more prestigious yearly event than the Soviet Championship, and its winner was of huge political importance: this player should demonstrate the superiority of the Soviet way of life to the decadent West.

Inevitably, the championships produced both amazing chess and great personal drama, and both aspects are beautifully documented by historian Sergey Voronkov in 3 volumes covering the period from 1920 to 1953, replete with…

From Matthew's list on (in)famous chess players.