For centuries, blindfold chess--the art of playing without sight of the board or pieces--has produced some of the greatest feats of human memory, progressing to the extent that the world record in 2009 was 45 [and is now 46] simultaneous blindfold games. This work describes the personalities and achievements of some of blindfold chess's greatest players--including Philidor, Morphy, Blackburne, Zukertort, Pillsbury, Reti, Alekhine, Koltanowski, Najdorf and Fine, as well as present-day grandmasters such as Anand and Kramnik. Including some never before published, 444 games scores are presented, peppered with diagrams and annotations. Hints for playing blindfold, and its practical value, are also included.

An analysis of the historical roots of today's conflicts between the US and the Muslim world.

Chess players and supporters are profiled in an examination of the development of the game and its American and international impact with attention to competitions, organizations, literature and game playing trends and philosophies

Introducing a new book, bound in two volumes, not only containing an astonishing new "pure gambit" named the Miami Variation, but a very delightful, interesting and insightful adventure through a unique perspective of historical chess.

This vibrantly illustrated compendium explores the beautiful diversity of the people who live, work, and love across the USA in this joyful follow-up to The 50 States. Across 51 charmingly illustrated infographic maps, covering every state of the USA from Alabama to Wyoming, We Are The United States celebrates the glorious rainbow of different heritages, religions, hobbies, vocations, and cultures that populate this great country. Say “ha'u” to the Hopi people in Arizona, and “xin chào” to Vietnamese Americans living in Orange County, California. Meet veterans in South Carolina, alligator farmers in Louisiana, and astronauts in Texas. Play with gamers at the E3 Expo in Los Angeles, party with drag queens in Atlanta, and ride with mountain bikers in Moab. Alongside an illustrated map, each state’s spread features a “Hall of Fame” highlighting important people from the state’s history, as well as “Spotlight” pull-out illustrations showcasing amazing cultural highlights from the area. Discover the local delicacies enjoyed by each state’s residents, and the unique traditions and celebrations that have been born on and brought to America’s shores. Brush up on key stats and facts about each state’s population, and learn about the powerful history of the people of this one nation, indivisible, the United States. The 50 States series of books for young explorers celebrates the USA and the wider world with key facts and fun activities about the people, history, and natural environments that make each location within them uniquely wonderful. Beautiful illustrations, maps, and infographics bring the places to colorful life. Also available from the series: 50 Trailblazers of the 50 States, Only in America, Only in America Activity Book, Only in California, Only in Texas, 50 Adventures in the 50 States, 50 Maps of the World, 50 Maps of the World Activity Book, and The 50 States.

For two decades, Rockstar Games have been making games that interrogate and represent the idea of America, past and present. Commercially successful, fan-beloved, and a frequent source of media attention, Rockstar’s franchises are positioned as not only game-changing, ground-breaking interventions in the games industry, but also as critical, cultural histories on America and its excesses. But what does Rockstar’s version of American history look like, and how is it communicated through critically acclaimed titles like Red Dead Redemption (2010) and L.A. Noire (2011)? By combining analysis of Rockstar’s games and a range of official communications and promotional materials, this book offers critical discussion of Rockstar as a company, their video games, and ultimately, their attempts at creating new narratives about U.S. history and culture. It explores the ways in which Rockstar’s brand identity and their titles coalesce to create a new kind of video game history, how promotional materials work to claim the "authenticity" of these products, and assert the authority of game developers to perform the role of historian. By working at the intersection of historical game studies, U.S. history, and film and media studies, this book explores what happens when contemporary demands for historical authenticity are brought to bear on the way we envisage the past – and whose past it is deemed to be. Ultimately, this book implores those who research historical video games to consider the oft-forgotten sources at the margins of these games as importance spaces where historical meaning is made and negotiated. Watch our book talk with the author Esther Wright here: https://youtu.be/AaC_9XsX-CQ