CORRESPONDENCE CHESS BOOK REVIEWS Including Books, Periodicals, and Software (All Reviews by John Knudsen Unless Otherwise Indicated)
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Reviewed in 1996 THE POTTER MEMORIAL by Ken Messere What is the recipe, then, for a classic CC Book? First, start out with a crosstable of strong players. Then, add the element of titles available for the taking. Third, bring together superb leadership in the organizational area. Fourth, obtain deep analysis of many of the games. Fifth, obtain pictures of the participants and mini-biographies to add flavor and interest to the event.
This 110 page book clearly sets the standard - it leads the way. All CC tournament books should use The Potter Memorial as a template. This book does it all and it is clearly my favorite in the literature for books devoted solely to CC. I have tried to find one thing that I can object to, and yet I can not.
The physical layout of this book is extraordinary. The binding is designed to be used and abused until at least the 22d Century. The paper will not yellow or mildew. It was designed to last, to be savored and enjoyed. It was probably one of the first works to employ figurine algebraic notation, long before it was the standard language. The diagrams are crisp and clean.
The annotators relish in their work, and thereby bring the games to life. The struggle, the work, and research involved in such a tournament is simply amazing. And yet, mere mortals such as you and I can get a feel for the incredible tasks that faced the players. The sense of humor of Messere and Richardson make the whole production more down to earth and enjoyable. The only possible objection would be that all of the participants did not participate in the analysis of the games. They were probably too busy with their other pursuits to join in the effort. There is value here, on each and every page.
I am more in awe of this book with every reading. Publishers, take note: If you want to produce a valuable addition to the literature, pull this book off your shelf, dust it off a bit, and read it. Then, copy the formula. It has all been done, and it is here.
Softbound, published by CHESS Ltd., Sutton Coldfield, England. Available by mail order chess book dealers. I paid $10 for my copy (brand new). I would have paid $50 or $100 for it.