These volumes of Garry Kasparov’s My Great Predecessors series offer profound analyses of some of the greatest figures in chess history: Emanuel Lasker (Volume 2), Robert James “Bobby” Fischer (Volume 5), and Mikhail Botvinnik. Kasparov, himself a world champion, shares not only his own experiences and chess knowledge with readers but also highlights how these geniuses shaped the evolution of chess.Volume 2 focuses on Emanuel Lasker, the second world chess champion, who held his title for 27 years. Lasker’s playing style was incredibly flexible, and his remarkable mental strength helped him emerge victorious even from the most challenging situations. Through Kasparov’s analyses, we understand how Lasker managed to remain at the top for decades.Volume 5 examines the life and games of Bobby Fischer, the first American world chess champion. Fischer revolutionized the world of chess with his brilliant strategies and uncompromising mentality. Kasparov meticulously analyzes Fischer’s most significant games, including his iconic 1972 world championship victory over Boris Spassky, which symbolized the height of Cold War-era chess rivalries.The volume on Mikhail Botvinnik holds a special place in the series, as Botvinnik was not only a world champion but also the founder of the Soviet chess school. Kasparov explores Botvinnik’s methodical, precise style, through which he won the world championship title three times. Botvinnik’s name is synonymous with the golden age of Soviet chess, and his students included such legends as Karpov and Kasparov himself.These volumes are invaluable for anyone interested in understanding the minds and methods of chess’s greatest legends. Through Kasparov’s in-depth analyses, readers gain insights into the game’s history and the profound impact of these champions on the modern chess world.
