A definitive study of the origin of chess -- that is, proto-chess. Part 1 of the book surveys the history of chess as written in western literature, beginning with Cessolis in the 13th century and continuing through 1996. Practically anyone who had ever written on the subject of "History of Chess" is covered -- over 30 in total. Part II of this book, using a multi-disciplinary approach, details the chess invention process. Part III covers post-invention modifications and cross-border dissemination, bothe westward and eastward - and compare Xiangqi to Chaturanga, Shatranj, Changgi, and Shogi. An epilogue pays tribute to and exclusive origin-of-research club whose members "wield English pens."
