Chess in the Third Reich — Taylor Kingston

Chess in the Third Reich by Taylor Kingston is a deeply researched historical study of how chess was used, controlled, and reshaped in Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945. Drawing on extensive original German sources, Kingston provides a clear and factual account of how the regime integrated chess into its political and cultural agenda.

The book explains how the Nazi government used chess as a propaganda tool, promoting it as evidence of supposed German intellectual strength while simultaneously removing Jewish players from clubs, publications, and competitions. Chess organizations were reorganized into a single state‑controlled structure, reflecting the broader political system of the era.

Kingston also examines the involvement of key political figures, including Joseph Goebbels and Hans Frank, and how their influence shaped the direction of German chess. The book includes numerous games by leading players of the period—such as Efim Bogoljubow, Alexander Alekhine, and Paul Keres—offering insight into the competitive landscape under state oversight.

Using rare documents, period publications, and archival material, this work fills an important gap in chess history by showing how the game was played, promoted, and manipulated during one of the most turbulent periods of the 20th century.

A strong and informative book for chess players, historians, and collectors, especially those interested in the intersection of chess and political history.

Condition: Like New.