Author: Cecil John Seddon "C J S" Purdy (1906-1979) from the library of Lothar Schmid
Year: 1972
Publisher: E J Dwyer
Place: Bisbane, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Sydney
Description:
vii+101 pages with illustrations and diagrams. Small octavo (7 1/2" x 5 1/2") bound in original publisher's pictorial wrappers. 8-page supplement titled "Post-Mortem 1976 to Fischer-Spassky 1972" laid in loose. From the library of Lothar Schmid. (Lusis 2293 and 2294) First edition.
How Fischer Won: World Chess Championship – 1972 is a classic, highly sought-after chess book written by Australian International Master and the world's first correspondence chess champion, Cecil John Seddon (C.J.S.) Purdy. Published in September 1972 by E.J. Dwyer right after the conclusion of the historic "Match of the Century," this 101-page book provides an immediate, firsthand analysis of Bobby Fischer's legendary victory over Boris Spassky in Reykjavík, Iceland. Detailed commentary on all 21 games of the match. A dedicated section analyzing the specific openings and variations employed by both players. Purdy's book captures the intense Cold War drama where Fischer shattered 24 years of absolute Soviet chess dominance. After spotty play and a forfeit that left him down 0-2, Fischer mounted a ferocious comeback—clinched by a brilliant victory in game three—to ultimately win the match 12½–8½.
Because it was printed in a limited run directly following the match, original softcover editions of this book are considered rare collector's items. Out-of-print copies are highly prized by chess historians and bibliophiles alike.
Lothar Maximilian Lorenz Schmid (10 May 1928 - 18 May 2013) was a German chess grandmaster. He was born in Radebeul near Dresden into a family who were the co-owners of the Karl May Press, which published the German Karl May adventure novels. He was best known as the chief arbiter at several World Chess Championship matches, in particular the 1972 encounter between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky at Reykjavic. He was also an avid collector of chess books and paraphernalia. It was reputed that he owned the largest known private chess library in the world, as well as a renowned collection of chess art, chess boards and chess pieces from around the globe.
Condition: Lothar Schmid's bookplate to front wrapper verso. Light edge wear, pages toned else very good.