Bobby Fischer and His World

Like many who have or are considering purchasing this book, I have a deep respect for the games of Robert James (Bobby) Fischer; this is the best "Fischer book" that I have read since Frank Brady's 'Endgame' came out.I own a number of books about Fischer and the 1972 match but I found Donaldson's latest to be unique in that it provides information concerning players, opponents, and acquaintances of Fischer. Many of the specifics that were, of necessity left out in games collections or retrospectives on Fischer are contained in this book.Who were these people he played in the tournaments as he went from unknown to world champion? What was he like in private settings with friends? What was the chess scene like in California as compared to New York? You'll find that here... I actually left off playing through the games in this book, they are scattered through the narrative, so that I could spend more time on the stories.Well, researched and footnoted, I absolutely encourage you to buy a copy of your own, read it through, play the games, and do some side research of your own.

It's difficult to write an objective bio on Fischer. Donaldson does an admirable job, threading the needle knowingly. There are two issues any biographer faces: His subject's immense prejudices, and his subject's immense, almost unfathomable genius. To be "correct" in our difficult cultural moment, one wants to write off Fischer for the former. But the latter is overwhelming...Nicely written, cunning and knowledgable. Games never before seen... many personal memories and remembrances from GMs and friends. If you're fascinated by Robert Fischer, this gem covers ground that's been missed in previous works.

You can't go wrong with this book if you're a Fischer fan. Enjoyable and informative, with just the right amount of annotations per game to help understanding without bogging you down. I must say that when I ordered this book, I noted it was printed at Stiles press. I was hoping it would be a similar size to the later works of Jeremy Silman's - the dimensions of his books on Benko, and his 'Reassess Your Chess - 4th edition.' I was not disappointed. The writing is superb, interspersed with pictures and games; in short, you can't go wrong if you like chess and are a Fischer fam.

This book has an incredible amount of data about Bobby Fischer and his games. However, I found it confusing. Hundreds of names and dozens of tournament are discussed...sometimes jumping out of chronological order - making following his life difficult. The numerous game details certainly are interesting to chess experts but interrupt the flow of the narrative. I think Bobby's life story should have been described in a more traditional (chronological) fashion) in the book; the chess games should have been placed in the back of the book - in an appendix.

I have read almost every book about Bobby Fischer, and this well-researched and informative book is the best thus far. One can disagree with Bobby's outlandish opinions, and still respect his genius. We all must wonder what great chess he might have given us had he received the psychological care he required to deal with his demons.Not only does this book provide a new perspective on Bobby and his life away from the chess board, it includes 99 games, most of which had not been published before.Thank you, John, for this wonderful piece of work.

This is a detailed look at Fischer's world with stories and information about his opponents as well. I cannot rate this book highly enough.

This book is a must for the Fischer aficionado. If you like to play over Fischer games, many of which have not published before, this book's got them. The book focused mostly on the period before the 1972 World Champion, although later events have also been covered. Another book that is excellent is Endgame. It is quoted several times in the reviewed book.

This is an excellent and fascinating book for those who are interested in Fischer’s life and chess career. Lots of photos and lots of well-researched details.

A labour of love, though certainly not a hagiography, containing masses of new information about Bobby Fischer’s chess career (which is the focus of the book) and his times. This important book is essential reading for admirers of Bobby Fischer and for devotees of chess history.

Whether Fischer was the greatest chess player, I am not good enough to have an opinion, although I am sure fans of Magnus Carlsen and Alexander Alekhine will have their views.This is a fascinating read about a truly weird and wonderful chess player, so much detail to absorb and from a personal point of view, great to see two of my all time favourite singers name checked, Joni Mitchell & Patti Smith.I would have awarded the book 5 stars but is let down by poor proof reading

A very thorough and detailed biography with a lot of focus on the games some of which are little known. This study adds to and expands on what has gone before. A very useful book for students of chess and a must for any Fischer fan. Highly recommended.

John Donaldson should be lauded for his work to create this book. Wonderful book!!

Brilliant book about the most enigmatic of all World Chess Champions. With much new material giving a fascinating insight into the off the board activities post 1972 of this great chess player