The Life of Philidor (AGBC 12)

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François-André Danican Philidor (1726-1795) was unique in countless ways. He had a great career in music, composing many popular pieces of music, but it is from his accomplishments in chess that he is most remembered. His book "Analyse du Jeu des Échecs" ("Analysis of the Game of Chess") was translated into several languages and was updated in several, expanded editions. He was also widely considered the best player in the world of his time, as well as a teacher and inspiration for several of the best French players who succeeded him in that crown. In this classic book, first published in 1863, George Allen carefully covers Philidor's life, from his youth to the turbulent times of the French Revolution, his travels, his music, and his chess.

In the second part of the book, Tassilo von Heydebrand und der Lasa (co-author of Bilguers "Handbuch" and a strong player in his own right) takes a critical look at Philidor as a chess author and chess player.

The games in this part of the book have been carefully re-analyzed by FIDE Master Carsten Hansen.