From the earliest carved sets, chess piece design has captured the essence of wars and revolution, peace and religion, technology, art and sport, and has mirrored civilisation's development across the globe.
Chess pieces and famous chess players have appeared throughout literature, art, cinema and advertising, from Shakespeare to Pepsi, reflecting suave sophistication and, as Voltaire said, "most honour on human wit".
This book looks in detail at over 30 of the most influential sets, spanning 1000 years of design from five continents: the Islamic impact on the design of the earliest pieces and the medieval Lewis Men, to Asian influences and the growth of chess clubs in Europe and their legendary designers and players. 'Master Pieces' tells the fascinating story of the development of one of the greatest games on Earth.
