Publisher's Synopsis
This book deals with the origins of chess from before 500AD and its appearance in Jewish sources and literature until the middle of the 19th century. Chess is mentioned in the Babylonian Talmud, and Jews played a part in the spread of the game through medieval writings on chess, primarily in Spain. The book also covers allusions to chess in Hebrew literature together with background material on the historical periods concerned. This book contains many hidden or overlooked gems of chess literature along with much that is well known but unavailable, and provides authoritative translations, some completely new. It is an entertaining and informative survey, and will delight all those interested in the history of chess and its literature.
