The Chess Revolution

From the Ancient World to the Digital Age

By: Peter Doggers

Narrated by: George Weightman

One of the world’s top chess journalists in the world explores why, after 1,500 years of existence, chess has never been more relevant than now.

Chess is not just one of the greatest games ever devised. It has inspired writers, painters, and filmmakers, and is a secret mover behind technical revolutions like artificial intelligence that are transforming society.

In this fascinating pop culture history of the game and its impact, acclaimed Chess.com journalist Peter Doggers (also their news and events director), reveals how computers and the Internet have further strengthened the timeless magic of chess in the digital era, leading to a new peak in popularity and cultural relevance. Doggers explores chess as a cultural phenomenon: from its earliest beginnings in ancient India to its biggest stars and most dramatic moments to the impact of the internet and AI.

©2024 Peter Doggers (P)2024 Dreamscape Media

Great Modern History Of Chess Book

I enjoyed the whole book! It flowed very well and I was able to listen the entire time.

Great overall telling with current subject matter

Very enjoyable and informative I would highly recommend it for chess lovers and novices alike

The evolution of chess with technology

Interesting accounts of chess champions, the role of computers in popularizing chess, and the emphasis on combating cheating in tournaments

Superficial

Even with the length of 12 hours, each chapter comes across as a superficial skimming of various topics. Bouncing around from example to example in each chapter. Something about the narrator's energy doesn't always match up with the subject matter at hand. For example, the tone and emoting seems the same whether the author is listing off the names and dates of world champions or painting a scene of Joey and Phoebe unintelligently and comically playing chess on "Friends".

There was the section on the murderous communist, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, who the author seemed to have a soft spot for, repeatedly calling him by the name "Che" like an adoring fanboy. And then there was the strange decision to name drop Obama and Kamala Harris in the text. And finally some anti-Putin / anti-Russian propaganda.

I didn't feel like listening much further, Got a refund.