107 annotated games, 128 diagrams, 12 photos, chronology, appendices, notes, bibliography, indexes. From the cover: The games of Mikhail Botvinnik, world chess champion from 1948 to 1963, have been studied by players around the world for decades. But little has been written about Botvinnik himself. This book explores his unusual dual career—as a highly regarded scientist as well as the first truly professional chess player—as well as his complex relations with Soviet leaders, including Josef Stalin, his bitter rivalries, and his doomed effort to create the perfect chess-playing computer program. More information can be found at mcfarlandbooks