Chess Story, The Royal Game: by Stefan Zweig, Joel Rotenberg, Peter Gay

Chess Story, or The Royal Game, is Stefan Zweig's final work, completed in exile in Brazil and sent to his American publisher shortly before his 1942 suicide. It uniquely explores Nazism through psychological insight.

On a ship from New York to Buenos Aires, travelers encounter an arrogant world chess champion, who easily defeats them. When a mysterious passenger intervenes, their fortunes change. The story delves into how this passenger acquired his exceptional chess skills and the cost of his mastery. This new translation highlights the blend of suspense and poignant reflection in Zweig's tale.