This definitive book unites two legends of the chess world. Written by Garry Kasparov—widely considered the greatest player of all time—it delves into the life and games of Bobby Fischer, the only American to become world champion and a talent unlike any other. Fischer almost single-handedly took on the formidable Soviet chess machine from 1955 to 1972 and emerged victorious. His path to the title was marked by unprecedented achievements, including a perfect 11/11 at the 1963/64 US Championship and stunning 6-0 victories over two top players en route to his iconic 1972 showdown with Boris Spassky.
But Fischer was as famous for his unpredictable behavior as he was for his brilliant play. His extreme demands and frequent refusals to play often led to drama, famously requiring a call from Henry Kissinger to save the 1972 World Championship. After a dispute with the World Chess Federation (FIDE) led to him forfeiting his title in 1975, he largely withdrew from the game, playing only one more match in 1992. In this essential work for any chess enthusiast, Kasparov offers a profound analysis of Fischer’s greatest games and a powerful assessment of his lasting legacy.