In the view of many, Emanuel Lasker (1868-1941) was the greatest chess player of all time. His ability to play superbly in any kind of position and his intense will to win enabled him to compile an overall tournament record that was unequaled during his lifetime. However, chess was only part of his life. Lasker was also a mathematician and philosopher who could hold his own in conversations with Albert Einstein (who wrote the foreword for this book).
His keen analytical mind and many other facets of Lasker's personality, life, and career are brilliantly presented in the present work, widely considered the standard biography. The legendary master comes vividly to life as Dr. Hannak details his childhood, education, decision to become a professional player, great exploits in matches against Marshall, Capablanca, Tarrasch, Schlechter and other players, his happy marriage, flight from Nazi Germany, and much more. In addition, a hundred of his greatest games are annotated.
While chess aficionados will especially welcome this absorbing presentation of Lasker's life and career, general readers will also find it a fascinating portrait of a larger-than-life figure who dominated the game for decades.