The Life & Games of Akiva Rubinstein, Volume 2: The Later Years

Livre classique à posséder absolument dans toute bonne bibliothèque échiquéenne. A lire avec attention, car il contient de nombreuses pépites.

This and its companion volume 1 constitute by far and away the most comprehensive collection available in any language of the games (many annotated) of one of the greatest and most influential players of all time. Rubinstein can be classed among the small group of "the greatest players never to win the World Championship" and he was very unlucky that the First World War interrupted his rise to the top (and also contributed to the ruin of his mental health). He made important contributions to practically all the major openings and played many beautiful games that can still be regarded as models. He has by now influenced several generations of players. Super-GM Boris Gelfand wrote: I’ve tried to learn from all players but, no doubt, I was most impressed by Yury Razuvaev and Valery Myrachvery’s “Akiba Rubinstein”. I read it again and again in my childhood. (...) The striving to play deeply in the opening, and the so-called “long plan”, that is when a game is played from the beginning to the end in one key… That’s what I like in chess, and it comes from Akiba."

The authors, John Donaldson and Nikolai Minev, have collected the most Rubinstein games ever within this two volume masterpiece. Where known, annotations of the games from many sources have been compiled. Both volumes are in second, augmented editions.Akiva Rubinstein was one of the greatest chess grandmasters who never got a shot at the world title. His best games are considered the highest form of chess art, and should be carefully studied by every aspiring chess player.The seller, Ed Labate, carries some of the best chess books available. He delivers them in excellent packaging designed to give you a flawless copy. Furthermore, his prices are right! Keep that in mind as you view his Amazon web site.

The two volume set from Donaldson & Minev are hands down the best works on Rubinstein, period. Very clear analysis. The authors are able to convey an understand of Rubinstein's play, his deep understanding of the game. Two great chess authors.

A good companion to Volume 1 which Russell Enterprises have recently published a 2nd Edition.