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Real Paul Morphy: His Life and Chess Games
Paul Morphy might well be the most brilliant and enigmatic chess champion of all time. He burst onto the scene in 1858 as a 20-year-old and dominated the chess world for two short years, convincingly defeating all the strongest players. After conquering the European chess scene, Morphy was universally recognized as the greatest player of all time. But at the age of 22 he suddenly and permanently retired from serious competition.
Morphy's greatness shone so brightly that 75 years later he was still considered the greatest by world champions Lasker and Capablanca. He is still revered for his brilliant combinations and other contributions to chess. Bobby Fischer called him 'perhaps the most accurate player who ever lived'. Garry Kasparov regarded him as 'the prototype of the strong 20th century grandmaster' and 'the forefather of modern chess'.
There are many important biographies and game collections about Morphy. Award-winning chess author Charles Hertan brings us something new - a comprehensive modern biography that delves deep into his fascinating history, unearthing new information about Morphy's origins, intertwined with an in-depth exploration of Morphy's games, often overturning over 160 years of previous analysis.
Hertan uses his experience as a professional psychotherapist to shed new light on Morphy's tragic mental deterioration. The author also examines the state of chess before Morphy, wading into the current debate about the role of the great masters Howard Staunton and Adolf Anderssen in chess history, and whether Morphy's time should rightly be called the 'Romantic Era'.
The Real Paul Morphy brings you everything you need to know about Paul Morphy's life, chess and legacy in a single volume.
Morphy's greatness shone so brightly that 75 years later he was still considered the greatest by world champions Lasker and Capablanca. He is still revered for his brilliant combinations and other contributions to chess. Bobby Fischer called him 'perhaps the most accurate player who ever lived'. Garry Kasparov regarded him as 'the prototype of the strong 20th century grandmaster' and 'the forefather of modern chess'.
There are many important biographies and game collections about Morphy. Award-winning chess author Charles Hertan brings us something new - a comprehensive modern biography that delves deep into his fascinating history, unearthing new information about Morphy's origins, intertwined with an in-depth exploration of Morphy's games, often overturning over 160 years of previous analysis.
Hertan uses his experience as a professional psychotherapist to shed new light on Morphy's tragic mental deterioration. The author also examines the state of chess before Morphy, wading into the current debate about the role of the great masters Howard Staunton and Adolf Anderssen in chess history, and whether Morphy's time should rightly be called the 'Romantic Era'.
The Real Paul Morphy brings you everything you need to know about Paul Morphy's life, chess and legacy in a single volume.
- GenresChess
320 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 25, 2026
Exceptional effort by Hertan!
The games were all well known, but the background information was really entertaining and so thoroughly researched.
We all know some of the details of Morphy’s troubled life, his swift rise to the top and equally swift abandonment of the royal game. That is one of the greatest chess legends.
But now, Hertan being a psychologist uncovered in great detail many so far unknown elements of his subsequent demise. Also, Morphy’s final years get much deserved attention.
Wonderful book for its pure chess content, a truly unique book regarding the life of Paul Morphy as a whole.
Highly recommended!
The games were all well known, but the background information was really entertaining and so thoroughly researched.
We all know some of the details of Morphy’s troubled life, his swift rise to the top and equally swift abandonment of the royal game. That is one of the greatest chess legends.
But now, Hertan being a psychologist uncovered in great detail many so far unknown elements of his subsequent demise. Also, Morphy’s final years get much deserved attention.
Wonderful book for its pure chess content, a truly unique book regarding the life of Paul Morphy as a whole.
Highly recommended!
July 15, 2026
Halfway through the book (june 2026) - and although I have read that this is a flawless (because computer assisted analysis) book (it is not), there are some shortcomings in the chess parts. Maybe he did not use the best software, or the fastest computer, but some critical moments are missed by him, giving the impression that the crucial (winning) moves (and errors) are not the factual ones.
The story of his life on the other hand, is excellent, and draws upon many sources.
The author keeps a critical look at his sources, and comments on them when necessary.
Still, all in all, maybe the best book written about Morphy in the last 50 years. It was due time for a modern reappraisal of the first monument of American Chess.
Finished it (july 2026), and it is indeed the best book you can buy on Morphy today. Recommended for chess history buffs.
The story of his life on the other hand, is excellent, and draws upon many sources.
The author keeps a critical look at his sources, and comments on them when necessary.
Still, all in all, maybe the best book written about Morphy in the last 50 years. It was due time for a modern reappraisal of the first monument of American Chess.
Finished it (july 2026), and it is indeed the best book you can buy on Morphy today. Recommended for chess history buffs.
February 4, 2026
probably the first book with bulletproof computer analysis
to tackle Morphy
so there are no holes in the tactics
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews