[Signed] [First Edition] My Best Games of Chess

xxxv+154 pages with diagrams. Octavo ( 8 3/4" x 5 1/2") bound in original publisher's red cloth with gilt lettering to spine in original jacket. First published in USSR in 1952. Translated and edited by P H Clarke. Signed card with picture laid in. First American edition. Card with Smyslov's autograph and picture at the chess board affixed loose laid in. A collection of sixty-seven of Smyslov's best games from the start of his career to 1957, selected for this book with the help of the author. Smyslov had at last wrested the World Championship from his great predecessor, Botvinnik, which brings added interest to his games; through them can be traced the development of the skill, understanding and style of a World Champion. His development was gradual: as he grew in knowledge and confidence so his games showed increasing mastery, until in recent years they had displayed that logical simplicity and clarity and, particularly, consummate end game technique which has brought comparison with Capablanca in his prime. Undoubtedly Smyslov's best games deserve to stand beside those of the other great masters, past and present. There is an account of Smyslov's career with an interesting discussion of his style by the Soviet master P A Romanovsky and an illuminating foreword by Smyslov himself. Condition: Card with Smyslov's autograph and picture at the chess board affixed loose laid in. Light edge wear, spine heal bumped, Book plate to front pastedown. Dust jacket spine sunned, corners and spine ends moderately chipped, some soiling. A very good copy in a very good dust jacket.

Estimate:£226.51

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