From London to Elista: Behind the Scenes of Kramnik's Title Matches

From London to Elista provides a behind-the-scenes look at Vladimir Kramnik's life, including preparation, progress, and aftermath, through Socrates-style dialogues. Winner of the English Chess Federation 2008 Book of the Year Award.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2022
Publisher: New In Chess

London to Elista offers a captivating glimpse into the pivotal moments of Vladimir Kramnik's life, encompassing the pivotal battles of London 2000, Brissago 2004, and Elista 2006. Through engaging Socrates-style dialogues, Bareev, in collaboration with co-author Ilya Levitov, unveils the intricate details of the preparation, progress, and aftermath of these three critical encounters. This comprehensive book, penned firsthand, brims with honesty, irony, history, wit, anger, wisdom, and even poetic elements. Accompanied by numerous photographs, it has been recognized with the English Chess Federation 2008 Book of the Year Award.

London 2000 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for Kramnik, as he faced off against reigning world champion Garry Kasparov in a highly anticipated match. The preparations for this historic encounter were intense, with both players devoting countless hours to their chess training. The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Kramnik emerging victorious after a grueling nine-game battle.

Brissago 2004 saw Kramnik facing off against former world champion Ruslan Ponomariov in a critical Candidates' Tournament match. This match was equally intense, with both players showcasing their exceptional skills. In the end, Kramnik emerged victorious, securing his place in the Candidates' Final.

Elista 2006 was another pivotal moment in Kramnik's career, as he faced off against reigning world champion Viswanathan Anand in a highly anticipated match. The preparations for this match were equally intense, with both players striving to outmaneuver each other on the chessboard. The match itself was a fierce battle, with Kramnik emerging as the victor after a dramatic final game.

Bareev and Levitov's book delves deep into the behind-the-scenes aspects of these battles, providing readers with a unique perspective on the preparation, progress, and aftermath of each encounter. The authors offer insightful dialogues that shed light on the secret strategies employed by Kramnik and his opponents, as well as the intense stress and pressure that accompanies elite chess competitions.

What sets this book apart is its honesty, irony, and historical richness. Bareev and Levitov have a talent for capturing the essence of the chess world and its players in their writing. The book is filled with witty anecdotes, insightful observations, and poignant reflections on the game and its impact on the lives of its participants.

In addition to its literary merits, London to Elista is also a visual feast, with numerous photographs that provide a visual representation of the chessboard and the emotions of the players. These photographs add depth and context to the narrative, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the world of elite chess.

Overall, London to Elista is a must-read for anyone interested in chess, sports, or the human spirit. It offers a captivating glimpse into the life and career of Vladimir Kramnik, as well as a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of elite chess competition. This book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring fascination with the game of chess.

Weight: 876g
Dimension: 239 x 175 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789493257672