Mikhail Tal

The book explores the remarkable rise and fall of Mikhail Tal, a Latvian chess prodigy who, in just three years, transformed from an unknown student to a champion by defeating renowned Soviet Grandmasters, including the formidable Mikhail Botvinnik. It highlights the fleeting nature of talent in chess, drawing parallels between Tal and other brilliant yet ephemeral players throughout history. The narrative captures the intensity of Tal's genius and the impact of his swift ascent in the competitive chess landscape.