History

A charming, fascinating history of the worlds most popular game, and the impact it has had on world history. Chess is the one game that has thrived over thousands of years, and in every culture it has been introduced to. It is acclaimed as the most intellectual game in the world and has also driven numerous people into madness. The rules of chess have been seen as a metaphor for human life, it has influenced military strategy and prompted mathematical and computer discoveries. David Shenk reveals the hidden history of a game that disguises infinity within its simplicity. Chess was invented in India in 500A.D, was spread by the Islamic warriors of Persia, was used as a moral guide in the Middle Ages and was pivotal in the birth of cognitive science and the development of artificial intelligence. Chess has been omnipresent in the development of civilisation and scientists now believe that it may help in increasing individual intelligence.