Reviews for The Story of Chess

The average rating for The Story of Chess based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2013-01-30 00:00:00 Alfred MARTINEZ An imaginative introduction to chess in the form of a brief children's story. The Diagrams and illustrations combine information and interest in the challenge of the game, while the story suggests the game is a peaceful pursuit instead of actual war. I did find a couple of illustrations confusing, and this is added to by the false impression given of concessions to the kings of the story in the setting of the rules for moves by the various pieces. To go back to the true development of the game would get beyond more modern impositions of sexism which are totally out of place at this time in history. I find this attitude offensive as my son's first encounter with chess players outside of the immediate family circle was at a girls' school he attended for weekend extension classes beyond his own school's usual curriculum. He loved having others his own age to play with during breaks from the set topics he enrolled in. For younger children purely as an encouragement to try the game, this book may be adequate. But if it is intended to be used for the story itself, I would suggest looking elsewhere for something more appropriate. This is what I will do - and if I don't' find it, I might just have to write it myself.

Review # 2 was written on 2012-12-03 00:00:00 Manuel Morales More like a 3.5 stars. This picture book takes a creative spin on teaching the game of chess. One of the students I work with as Chess Club advisor leant me his copy. It teaches the reader the basics of chess using a fictional war and the ramifications it has. The art is different, but the story is cute and it does what it needs to do. While not my favorite chess tutorial reference, it is fun and may appeal to some yonger readers.