REVIEW8

***** Review8 *****

February 15, 1996 book review by Hanon Russell!  "news 257" for more info.
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                  The U.S. Chess Hall of Fame
                        by Macon Shibut
                  Reviewed by Hanon W. Russell

THE U.S. CHESS HALL OF FAME by Macon Shibut, 1995 U.S. Chess
Center, English Algebraic Notation, softcover, 170pp., $14.00.

     Since its inception ten years ago, approximately two dozen
players have been inducted into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame. This
book takes a brief look at the accomplishments and games of the
inductees.
     A look at the page opposite the preface would seem to
indicate there are twenty-three members. However, a count of the
players profiled (there are no chapters or table of contents) in
the book reveals there are twenty-four players. George Mackenzie
is not listed as a member but is profiled. Well, is he or isn't
he? The reader can't tell from this book. It's a mystery.
     It would have been nice if the author had told us a little
about the selection criteria. In fact, there has been a bit of
controversy over the years over who got in and when. You wouldn't
know anything at all was askew from Shibut's account.
     Several years ago, the author produced a fine work about
Paul Morphy. Published by Dale Brandreth's Caissa Editions, it
was a valuable contribution about America's first champion.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about his second work.
     The material is presented in choppy narrative style that
does not give the reader much opportunity to focus upon or
appreciate any one particular player or his deeds. In fact, it
could be argued that this was all that was intended by the
author. If so, then the book could be called a success. From the
reader's point of view, however, this is not very satisfying.
     There are forty lightly annotated games mingled among the
anecdotes, as well as some photographs. Sidebars abound, although
they add little of interest. For the most part, the book appears
to present a re-hash of fairly familiar material in an otherwise
unremarkable manner. Save your money for something with a little
more substance.

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The books which are reviewed by Mr. Russell are furnished
courtesy of the United States Chess Federation. The views
expressed are those of Mr. Russell and do not necessarily reflect
the views of the United States Chess Federation. You may order
this book and/or obtain the latest catalog of chess books and
equipment from the U.S.C.F., 186 Rt. 9W, New Windsor, NY 12553 or
call toll-free 1-800-388-5464.

 Copyright 1996 Hanon W. Russell All Rights Reserved
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