FIVE YEARS IN THE MAKING, this will live forever in the realm of rare gems we call the classics of chess literature. It is a tribute to the authors, and to those who added their insight into this enormous work. The title is new but will go down in historic chess literary works as a labor of love and devotion to sharing a memorable story and collection of games and compositions.
PAL BENKO–MY LIFE, GAMES AND COMPOSITIONS was a work in time and collaboration between GM Pal Benko and IM Jeremy Silman with an opening survey by IM John Watson and foreword by GM Susan Polgar. The title wastes no words in describing this book for indeed it represents every aspect of life and supremacy of artisic quality that the maestro of magic could create. 138 wonderful games covering the period from his youth before, during WWII and thereafter are deeply annotated with personal insight into the times they were played and the personalities of a generation of great chess artists with whom he did battle. Thrill to the experience of the trials, tribulations, defeats and triumphs of a life long journey climaxing in a joyful existence in one’s work that continues to this day.
The Contents is thorough; the tournament and match results, index of players and openings are all here. 667 pages make up this monumental work along with numerous photos.
The section on openings cover an array of systems favored and played over decades along with personal insights into many of them and his contributions to theory. IM John Watson assisted in this regard digging into the meat of it with his usual talent giving readers his own perspective as well as that of the author.
There is an enormous posting of diagrams featuring many of his brilliantly tantalizing compositions that feature examples of all of his creative masterpieces in different categories–letter problems, endgames, number move mates, helpmates, and puzzles to conclude the experiences of those who purchase this classic and study it from cover to cover.
I do not recommend books as a general rule, leaving it to more experienced reviewers. However, I do recommend this work that I can safely say right now is most inexpensive at the list price of $45.00. Devotees will enjoy many hours of pleasure and grow with appreciation for the authors who devoted their years to achieve this work for the chess public. If you are looking to have a meaningful and complete chess library, this book has a rightful place to sit among the rare classics that came before and will come after. But it will also be a book removed from your shelf to view again and again providing wonderful entertainment. It will add to your historic perspective, enlighten you to many little known story facts about chess personalities crossing the path of GM Benko. In time you will come to find this artistic literary achievement a cherished and priceless possession.
