Garry Kasparov on My Great Predecessors, Part 5

Karpov. Korchnoi. Rivalry, politics, and some of the greatest chess ever played.

Volume 5 of Garry Kasparov’s acclaimed My Great Predecessors series takes readers into one of the most dramatic and politically charged eras in chess history—the post‑Fischer 1970s and early 1980s. With Bobby Fischer’s withdrawal from the chess world in 1975, the crown passed to Anatoly Karpov by default. What followed was nearly a decade of dominance, controversy, and unforgettable battles.

Kasparov—world champion, historian, and one of the greatest analysts in chess—brings this era to life with unmatched depth and clarity.

A Rivalry That Defined an Era

At the center of this volume is the legendary clash between:

• Anatoly Karpov, the new world champion whose positional mastery and iron consistency reshaped modern chess
• Viktor Korchnoi, the fierce challenger who fought his way to two world championship matches during the peak of his powers

Their rivalry was not only a sporting contest—it was a cultural and political drama played out on the world stage. Kasparov captures both the chess and the atmosphere surrounding it.

Deep Analysis from a World Champion

Kasparov dissects Karpov’s finest games with the precision only a fellow world champion can provide. He also offers a detailed study of Korchnoi’s most brilliant and combative play, revealing the psychological and strategic contrasts that made their matches unforgettable.

This volume blends:

• Top‑level game analysis
• Biographical insight
• Historical and political context
• A grandmaster’s perspective on the evolution of modern chess

More Than a Games Collection

Kasparov’s writing elevates this book beyond pure analysis. He explains how the Cold War, Soviet chess culture, and global politics shaped the careers of Karpov and Korchnoi—and how their rivalry paved the way for the next generation, including Kasparov himself.

Why This Book Belongs in Every Serious Chess Library

• A definitive study of the Karpov–Korchnoi era
• Essential reading for anyone interested in world championship history
• Rich, instructive analysis for improving players
• A valuable reference for collectors of Kasparov’s works
• A unique blend of biography, history, and elite‑level chess insight

This is a book that teaches, inspires, and preserves one of the most important chapters in chess history.

Condition: Good condition.