First Grandmaster of the Soviet Union

The biography of Boris Verlinsky highlights his remarkable achievements as the first Soviet grandmaster and a top player in the 1920s, despite being profoundly deaf. Notable victories include defeating Capablanca and winning the Soviet Championship in 1929. Verlinsky's sharp attacking style is celebrated for its modernity, likening him to later chess legends. The book features an analysis of 130 games against renowned opponents, enriched with annotations from Verlinsky and others, alongside modern engine reviews by grandmasters, providing a comprehensive look at his contributions to chess.