What it teaches
Garry Kasparov, world champion from 1985 to 2000, set out to tell the story of the players who held the title before him and to analyze their greatest games with the help of modern computers. Across five volumes, My Great Predecessors covers the world champions from Wilhelm Steinitz through Anatoly Karpov, along with other great players of each era, combining biography, chess history and detailed analysis.
The series shows how chess ideas evolved over more than a century, and Kasparov's strong opinions about each player make it lively reading. The analysis is deep and sometimes overwhelming, but the historical narrative carries the reader through.
Who it's for
Serious players and chess history enthusiasts, roughly 1800 and up for the analysis, though anyone interested in the champions can enjoy the stories. Each volume stands on its own.
How to get the most from it
Pick the volume covering the players who interest you most. Read the narrative first, then return to play through the key games with a board. Don't try to follow every variation on a first reading.
Key takeaways
- Chess ideas evolved through the contributions of each champion.
- Great players' games reveal principles that still apply today.
- Computer analysis has reshaped our understanding of classic games.
- Knowing the history of chess deepens your understanding of the game.
Read next
For one champion's own story, read The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal. For Kasparov's own reflections, try Deep Thinking.
