The history of chess is traced in fact and fable from Oriental beginnings in the Indian four handed game of chaturanga, through its role in medieval romance, to its maturity today. Among the colorful figures is the arrogant Deschapelles, who claimed one need observe but three games to learn all he will eyer know of chess. Famous amateurs are discussed, including Napoleon, who was a bad player and a worse loser, Benjamin Franklin, who wrote an essay on the morals of chess, and the great pianist Rosenthal, who was loath to leave watching a tournament for a concert tour. who was loath to leave watching a tournament for a concert tour. The section on chess playing automata tells the amazing story of lion Kempelen's