LAST LECTURES

This slim volume is composed of the last twelve lectures Capablanca delivered before his death in 1942. Capablanca, a former chess World Champion and a prodigy who is generally considered to be one of the game's three greatest masters, was particularly concerned with the endgame-- ""whereas the endings can be studied and mastered by themselves, the middlegame and the opening must be studied in relation to the endgame"" and this is the major concern of this book. Since it is ""particularly intended for chess lovers of moderate strength"" the rules and examples, each accompanied by illustrations, are clear and explicit. The delivery is casual and informal, occasionally anecdotal as he discusses specific games, Masters and styles. He demonstrates a number of variations on the endgame and his general rules should help the player all across the board. An excellent addition to the chess library.