Hitchcock and Twentieth-Century Cinema

Book Description

Hitchcock and Twentieth-Century Cinema looks at the work, influences, legacy and style of one of cinema's most famous directors. Alfred Hitchcock worked in Britain and America, in silent and sound films, and through and beyond the studio system, all the time appealing to mass audiences while employing his own distinctive style. This book examines how he was affected by German cinema, British writing, the Hays Code and his own upbringing to produce films that challenged key notions of acting, sexuality, mise-en-scène and narrative convention. John Orr contends that Hitchcock is a matrix figure who forged a new dynamics of exchange and of re-made identities in the feature film that in turn has influenced film noir, neo-noir, the French New Wave and David Lynch, as well as countless filmmakers all around the world and, indeed, continues to do so.

Book Description

In a relatively short time span, grunge music exploded out of its native Seattle and became the most dominant force of the early '90s. Groundbreaking bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains introduced a generation of young rock fans to their grainy, hard-edged brand of modern metal. The rise to prominence for these and other grunge monsters is detailed here, in Guitar World Presents Nirvana and the Grunge Revolution. The first section of the book serves as a tribute to the late Nirvana guitarist Kurt Cobain. It features revealing interviews with Cobain, a behind-the-scenes look at Nirvana's legendary MTV "Unplugged" performance, and an insider's guide to the making of their groundbreaking album, Nevermind. In addition, the book features interviews with many others who played key roles in the Seattle sound explosion, including Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard and Mike McCready, Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell and Soundgarden's Kim Thayil and Chris Cornell. 200 pages, 6" x 9"

Customer Reviews:

Read "LAYNE STALEY: Angry Chair" instead.......2003-03-06

Need I mention how bad this book is? Just look at the ranking. If you like grunge and what to read a cool story...buy Layne's bio, "LAYNE STALEY: ANGRY CHAIR" and learn some valuable, interesting things. Please don't ever tell anyone you bought this Nirvana, Grunge book...that would be an embarassment.

Excelling at Chess Calculation: Capitalizing on Tactical Chances
Average customer rating:

Calculation is only the half of it, though an important half!

Excelling at Chess Calculation: Capitalizing on Tactical Chances
Jacob Aagaard
Manufacturer: Everyman Chess
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Excelling at Technical Chess: Learn to Identify and Exploit Small Advantages

Excelling at Combinational Play: Learn to Identify and Exploit Tactical Chances

Excelling at Positional Chess (Everyman Chess)

Excelling at Chess (Everyman Chess)

How to Calculate Chess Tactics

ASIN: 1857443608

Book Description

Jacob Aagaard tackles the art of chess calculation, unravelling its many secrets and arming the reader with the necessary tools to be able to calculate effectively at the chessboard. Aagaard pays particular attention to the searching practical questions like "when should you calculate?" and "how can you discover candidate moves?". A thorough study of this book will enable the reader to calculate with confidence in future games.

Customer Reviews:

Calculation is only the half of it, though an important half!.......2006-09-19

Here we have it! One of several new books on chess tactical calculation (or planning? - kinda some of the same stuff, though not always). I will say for sure, this guy knows is stuff! With books on general tactics/pattern recognition puzzles, chess traps, and much more on the rise, you kinda need to look for thinks a little different to "get the edge". I will not say this book is better than the recent other tactics calculation book I got or chess traps books (actually opening tactics - found it very useful), but I will say it is up there!
Some totally different ideas were given in this book, that I didn't find in others, some useful, some less than useful (that is why when you read any chess book, do not ever think that the written word is always right!). But I did learn from it, and I liked it. Just one comment. I think that either the author didn't write English as his first language or it was translated - because there were obviously some grammer mistakes that sometimes effected what I think the author was trying to get across - my only complaint. Otherwise, a good book!!

Excelling at Positional Chess (Everyman Chess)

Average customer rating:

Advanced Players: Get this for the Exercises
Very Good, but Very Advanced
Excelling at Chess was superb but this one?
100+ positional exercises to test your skills
Another Great by Aagaard

Excelling at Positional Chess (Everyman Chess)
Jacob Aagaard
Manufacturer: Everyman Chess
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Excelling at Technical Chess: Learn to Identify and Exploit Small Advantages
Excelling at Chess Calculation: Capitalizing on Tactical Chances
Excelling at Combinational Play: Learn to Identify and Exploit Tactical Chances
Excelling at Chess (Everyman Chess)
Mastering the Chess Openings: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Modern Chess Openings, Volume 1

ASIN: 185744325X

Book Description

Positional chess remains a mystery to many and yet an understanding of the finer points of the game so often makes the difference between two equally matched players. Improve your positional play and you will see chess in a totally new dimension!
In this unique book, International Master Jacob Aagaard selects many original examples of positional chess, the crème de la crème of those that he uses for training and study. Aagaard also delves deeply into the ideas of positional evaluation and analysis.

* Teaches how to mix calculation with evaluation
* Contains many original exercises
* Written by a battle-hardened expert

Customer Reviews:

Advanced Players: Get this for the Exercises.......2006-08-04

Whether you should buy this boils down to whether you would benefit from the Exercises. There are 108 problem positions, indicating which side is to move, but no other hints. The reader is expected to give the position a deep think, possibly writing out variations, but not moving any pieces (i.e., all the analysis has to be done in one's head). After the reader has exhausted her energies or capabilities on the position, she should turn to the lengthy, detailed solutions in the back for immediate feedback, correction and/or reinforcement. This type of training is really effective, as I can attest from personal experience.

The problems themselves are simply wonderful. Very few (if any) have what I consider easy or obvious answers; all combine positional, strategic and tactical components; a great diversity of ideas are covered. According to the author they were originally compiled as exercises for his students; and so the material has benefit of successful use and refinement over time. The solutions take up between one and two full pages per problem, reflecting the depth of the exercises themselves and the level of rigor in the answers. For readers of the appropriate level, this is a great learning tool.

The book is targeted to a fairly advanced level. The reader should be fairly adept tactically, and be conversant with positional chess at least at the level of Silman's HOW TO REASSESS YOUR CHESS. In addition, a certain amount of general chess experience is helpful - that which comes from years of tournament play and the study of master games.

The rest of the book contains some brief chapters with (mostly) illustrative examples. I did find distasteful Aagaard's unwarranted potshots at another author. Nonetheless, I will give this book the full five star recommendation, since there is nothing else quite like its terrific problem section. Excellent production quality, too.

Very Good, but Very Advanced.......2004-09-27

About one-third of the book is positional instruction by the author. I enjoyed this portion. It includes some good insights into the game.

The heart of this book is 108 positional exercises. I like these types of books. I have found that chess puzzles, whether tactical or positional, are the most effective way to improve my playing strength.

There are unfortunately not many chess books with positional puzzles (as opposed to tactical). Among the ones I know of, this book is certainly the most advanced. I believe the puzzles are geared toward players with a playing strength of 2100 USCF/FIDE and over. For example, some of the problems are from Grandmaster games in which the GM failed to find the solution!

My major complaint with this book is that the problems are not organized by difficulty. So some of them will be fairly simple, while others may stump Grandmasters. This can make training with the book difficult, because I don't know how long to devote to a particular exercise. I don't want to waste 30 minutes on a single puzzle if it's one of the GM stumpers.

If you are looking to improve your positional play in chess, I would recommend selecting a book based on your playing strength:
1400-1600: "It's Your Move", by Chris Ward
1500-1900: "The Reassess Your Chess Workbook", by Jeremy Silman
1700-2100: "Can You be a Positional Chess Genius", by Angus Dunnington (this one is my personal favorite!)
1900-2300: "Test Your Positional Play", by Robert Bellin and Pietro Ponzetto
2100-2700: "Excelling at Positional Chess", by Jacob Aagaard (the book reviewed here)

So, for advanced tournament chess players looking to improve their positional playing strength, I recommend this book.

Excelling at Chess was superb but this one?.......2004-07-03

This book looks like a bad sequel of a good book by Aagaard called Excelling at Chess. I go back to that book every now and then to review some points and to better understand conceptually chess. The idea of excelling at positional chess is interesting but wasn't that covered alreay in the first book? Other than the positional exercises (that you can craft for yourself by examining a middlegame position from a great game) I didn't find anything novel or worth reading in this book... Frankly, Aagaard he is becoming a Schiller by doing this type of book factory like production. I was frankly saddened by his book on the Grunfeld and this book about excelling at positional chess... Poor quality books from a guy that created a good name for himself by publishing a very good book of chess: Excelling at Chess. IM Aagaard just entered the dog-house of authors I don't want to read ever again that include: GM Neil McDonald (His book on the French Winawer was hideous), IM John Watson (The third edition of Play the French was terrible), Schiller (Ugh!), and GM Larry Evans.

Very poor book! Don't buy it!

100+ positional exercises to test your skills.......2004-05-25

Earlier, I plan to get this book to improve my kid's chess but when he put it away, I have to evaluate it. I feel some of the chapters is in the wrong order. Chapter 5 or 3 should come first. I also hate it when Aagard keeps refering to Dvoretsky and Silman and other books. The author should just explain what he meant. The publisher should work harder to improve Aagard's draft.

What I feel Aagard should do is categorizes each positional theme such as: (1) release one piece to attack (2) release one piece to defend (3) moving out one piece to release rook (4) draw one opponent piece away (5) prevent counterplay etc etc

The good part of the book is Aagard has 100+ of positional puzzles to test your skills. I spent a good time reading this on my KL-Dubai flight. For some puzzle "Black to Move" is actually black turn's to move and not necessary Black wins !! For these puzzles he is using a lot of chess plays from his IM tournamenet such as Kramnik, Gelfland, Anand and Short.

I am getting my kid the David Lemoir "How to be a Deadly Chess Tactician" to replace this. Wait for my review.

Another Great by Aagaard.......2004-03-23

"I can see the combinations as well as Alekhine, but I cannot get into the same positions." - Rudolf Spielmann

This book addresses exactly that problem. If when a position breaks open, you're on the wrong end of nasty tactical shots, your position must have been weak to begin with.

This book teaches you to spot the weaknesses and strengths on the chessboard. In a sense, it preaches what Silman does in Reassess Your Chess or Dvoretsky does in Attack and Defense and his other books. The difference is this is a concise, understandable shot-in-the-arm for those with positional malaise. (Silman's information is excellent, but his here's-where-the-patzer-screwed-up approach is distracting. In contrast, Mr. Aagaard says here's where I screwed up ... and what I should have seen on the board.)

The writing style is conversational and involving. The positions are adequately diagrammed and well-chosen, for Aagaard chooses understandable positions, which are, nevertheless, crucial moments that lead to the outcome of the game.

While Aagaard's previous book Excelling at Chess was all instructional text, more than half this book is positional exercises to study and solve with detailed solutions. (No mate-follows-in-20-moves notes.)

The previous book Excelling at Chess won a book of the year award at a chess website, and this book really should, too.

Excelling at Chess (Everyman Chess)
Average customer rating:

A mixed bag

An inspiration to the serious chess player!

A bold, 21st century classic

Taste

Very good pointers

Excelling at Chess (Everyman Chess)
Jacob Aagaard
Manufacturer: Everyman Chess
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Chess | Board Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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Similar Items:

Excelling at Positional Chess (Everyman Chess)

Excelling at Combinational Play: Learn to Identify and Exploit Tactical Chances

Excelling at Chess Calculation: Capitalizing on Tactical Chances

Excelling at Technical Chess: Learn to Identify and Exploit Small Advantages

Mastering the Chess Openings: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Modern Chess Openings, Volume 1

ASIN: 1857442733

Book Description

This book identifies the key factors that separate the very strong players from the rest. Anyone who follows the advice in this book cannot fail to improve their feel for the game.

Customer Reviews:

A mixed bag.......2006-05-17

The back cover claims that this book will teach the reader how to evaluate positions, how and when to calculate, how to study theory, and other practical tips for chess improvement. However the actual product is quite a mixed bag, and on the whole it falls well short of the advertising. Let us have a look within the chapters.

Chapter 1 is introductory and personal in nature. Those looking for the human interest angle should be pleased. The author shares some of his own experiences with reaching a plateau in playing strength, and gives a foretaste of what it took to break through. He brings in ideas touching on training, professional competition, brain science, and one's state of mind both at the board and toward the game in general. Already the storm clouds are gathering, as there is also a hint of the wholesale philosophizing to come.

Chapter 2 is concerned with what he calls "real chess players," i.e., those who know where the pieces belong. He identifies Kasparov as the archetype, and provides illustrative examples (positions and game fragments) of "real chess." The chess content itself (including the author's annotations) is interesting, but when Aagaard starts to ponder about what separates the real chess player from the "ordinary" world-class super-grandmaster, he gets into some difficulty. For one thing, the author himself belongs to neither category and will probably never reach the latter; he has evidently taken on a topic beyond his own reach. Secondly, whether or not his gratuitous speculations turn out to be true, it is not clear how anyone is suppose to benefit from all this. Aagaard apparently realizes this, and promises answers in Chapter 3.

Titled "No Rules?" the third chapter contains a direct assault against IM John Watson's justly lauded book "Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy," which has at its core the notion that "rule independence" characterizes modern chess. By "rules" here we don't mean the rules of the game, but rather the crude rules of thumb by which we sometimes implement the rudiments of strategy (e.g., "knights on the rim are dim"). It is clear to me that Aaagaard has completely misconstrued Watson's thesis. Watson never said "no rules." He said something quite a bit deeper, which is one of the reasons that Watson's book will still be read two hundred years from now (the other reason is that it is a joy to read). What Aagaard offers instead (via 20+ pages of tortuous argument, red herrings, and strawmen) is something like "the rules are valid, all else being equal." He never gets around to nailing down what he means by "all else being equal," and that points to the main problem with Aagaard's writing. Once you try to take chess theory two or three or four levels into abstraction (i.e., away from looking at actual positions and moves), it becomes pretty worthless. For example, Aagaaard goes on to try to distinguish an "element [of chess theory]" from a "concept" to a "primary concept", and explain how categorizing chess ideas in this way is supposed to help the reader improve. Seriously, do you think Kasparov or Fischer could explain the difference between a "chess concept" and a "chess element"?

The next two chapters concern "unforcing" play and the importance of studying endgames. Both chapters are worthwhile, especially the former, which subject is hardly given attention elsewhere in the literature (Kotov and Tisdall are the only other authors I can think of). The endgame chapter contains plenty of useful advice for training, as well as instructive and inspiring examples.

In the final three chapters, unfortunately, we return to the streams of speculations, New Age clap trap and gratuitous psychobabble. Already in Chapter 2 we were advised to (ahem!) talk to our pieces in order to determine their best squares. Now along with the good advice (e.g., analyze your games, don't believe in luck, don't make excuses), we get some hoary platitudes (e.g., the power of positive thinking, the importance of sleep and physical conditioning) - I am surprised he doesn't remind us about the virtues of dietary fiber! - and then there is some truly weird stuff. To improve my attitude at the board, I should try to draw a picture of myself winning the world championship? Truly, there are some real eye-rolling moments.

Fortunately for the aspiring player, there are several other resources on chess improvement, each worthwhile, recommendable and planted on firmer ground. They include "Chess Player's Battle Manual" by Nigel Davies; "Practical Chess Analysis" by Mark Buckley; "Secrets of Practical Chess" by John Nunn, and "Improve Your Chess Now!" by Jonathan Tisdall. Intermediate players should start with Davies, and go down the list as they advance.

An inspiration to the serious chess player!.......2004-06-26

This book is a true inspiration to all chess players that are serious about the game. The book is written in a very personal way and without question will help the tournament player (the ideal reader should be a tournament player). It talks about many topics from chess strategy, psychology of chess, and good training methods and advice. Are you a real chess player?

A bold, 21st century classic.......2003-09-23

This book sets itself apart from others of its ilk for a few reasons. First of all, Mr. Aagard has an engaging voice that comes across in the pages. He comes across as a real human being who has had ups and downs with chess. He has a lot of wit and warmth interspersed with very forthright analysis. A rare combination! This does not mean, however, that the book is somehow not serious. Far from it; he has a thesis regarding positional play and he defends it with rigor. He's not "my way or the highway" but at the same time makes a convincing case regarding what it takes to take a quantum leap in playing skill.

But wait, there's more: Mr. Aagard's background in neuropsychology takes this book to a new level. He integrates fascinating info about cognition and perception and how it relates to chess. This is stuff that is compelling in its own right. Ultimately, I wouldn't have changed much with this book. It accomplishes exactly what it wants to, and points towards a "humanist" perspective on chess: train hard, but also realize that (a) it's a game between 2 human beings who must respect each other during the course of play, and (b) it's important to have fun. I really think this book will have a long shelf life--it certainly had a deep impact on how I approach the game.

Taste.......2003-04-20

I'd say the book is great, but as the title shows, that's a matter of taste. Some people like their books full of analysis, all filled with moves, and moves and... moves. Others like the books better when the moves are explained by letters, not by moves. That's what this book is about, it explains the moves in a nice way by telling what the thoughts are, and why some moves are so 'natural' to play. It makes you want to think that you can play just like the GM's in the book. Most of the time you're like 'I would have played all those moves as well, cos I understand the meaning of it, this must be a beginners-game', then you look at the names of the players and you see 'Karpov - Kasparov'.
For me this is a book which really helped. I think it is a good book for 1700 - 2100 rated players.

Very good pointers.......2002-11-06

This is a book of chess that will not be a classic. This is a book of chess that has good things to think about but it is not all-encompassing. When I started reading the book I saw an essay trying to prove John Watson's points were wrong and that's fine... But I haven't read Watson's book and it is very difficult to weigh the arguments... Instead, I would have preferred for the author to present his points of view on the dynamic nature of rules of chess (if those rules do exist...) and defend his point of view accordingly. The debate with Watson made the points that the author wanted to emphasize obscure... However, I rejoyced in gathering the good of the chapter and obtained good pointers...

The strongest point of the book though is the presentation of Anderssons's games and the way he plays endings. That in itself paid for the book! I am not into endings but after reading the chapter in this book I started liking them... ergo, I improved...

All in all, the book is fine and has a place in the personal library. However, it could have been written better for the benefit of the readers...

Excelling at Technical Chess: Learn to Identify and Exploit Small Advantages
Average customer rating:

Good concept, could have more material

For the serious student only!

Excelling at Technical Chess: Learn to Identify and Exploit Small Advantages
Jacob Aagaard
Manufacturer: Everyman Chess
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Excelling at Chess Calculation: Capitalizing on Tactical Chances

Excelling at Positional Chess (Everyman Chess)

Excelling at Combinational Play: Learn to Identify and Exploit Tactical Chances

Excelling at Chess (Everyman Chess)

Mastering the Chess Openings: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Modern Chess Openings, Volume 1

ASIN: 1857443640

Book Description

In this book Jacob Aagaard studies the valuable skill of chess technique. He arms the reader with several endgame weapons that every strong technical player has in his toolbox. These include important skills such as schematic thinking, domination, preventing counterplay, building fortresses and utilizing zugzwang. These tools are illustrated in deeply analyzed games containing numerous different themes. A serious study of this book will ensure that the reader no longer need fear the word "technique"!

Customer Reviews:

Good concept, could have more material.......2005-07-06

I like the idea of this book very much, it has well thought out topic and well organized content. There are not so many books teaching how to play complex multi-pieces endings and this book fills this niche very well.

There could be a bit more examples, many important concepts are illustrated just by one or two games, moreover not all illustrative games match the subject they illustrate perfectly. More short examples (from real games or especially prepared, I do not bother) would make this book better.

Minor but very irritating feature of Aagaard books (present both here and in Excelling at Chess Calculation) is repeatable theme
of criticizing or applauding other chessbook authors. Those notes add no value to the book, interrupt the thread of reasoning and just eat the valuable space.

For the serious student only!.......2005-02-23

Jacob Aagard is possibly the best chess teacher currently being published - better than Dvoretsky for those of us not yet at master level. His explanations are to the point, and his examples are both fresh and lucid. However, you must be a reasonably strong player to get the full benefit of his works (at least 1600 ELO USCF generally, possibly 1800 for this particular book). This text will help give you the technical foundation required to achieve a master's rating. Beyond that, I have found that it has affected other aspects of my game. I have found myself considering endgame issues in the middlegame, giving me more confidence to enter a particular line because I can see how the resulting pawn structure and piece placements work to my advantage. He stresses concrete thinking while using general rules to help guide your thoughts. His books are well written (although the publisher could have done a better job picking out typos), but are not intended for fun. Skip this book unless you are serious about chess!

Excelling at Combinational Play: Learn to Identify and Exploit Tactical Chances

Average customer rating:

A useful book
Sicilian Combinations
Another puzzle book

Excelling at Combinational Play: Learn to Identify and Exploit Tactical Chances
Jacob Aagaard
Manufacturer: Everyman Chess
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Excelling at Chess Calculation: Capitalizing on Tactical Chances
Excelling at Technical Chess: Learn to Identify and Exploit Small Advantages
Excelling at Positional Chess (Everyman Chess)
Excelling at Chess (Everyman Chess)
Mastering the Chess Openings: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Modern Chess Openings, Volume 1

ASIN: 1857443454

Book Description

Experienced chess writer Jacob Aagaard explains how tactical intuition and ability develops and uses pattern recognition to improve the reader's tactical ammunition.

Customer Reviews:

A useful book.......2004-12-10

In addition to the other reviews, it is also important to note that the positions come from actual games (though you probably guessed that since they are all from the Sicilian) and that they are from recent praxis. This may seem a small point, but taking only from recent ECO lines increases the possibility of seeing similar tactics in your own games. There is less chance of the tactic coming from a busted or unfashionable line.

It also seems unfair to trash Aagaard's work simply because it is "another puzzle book." One doesn't throw away a Stephen King novel because it is just another horror story. Rather you should judge the work on its merit within the genre. It is a well researched and useful tactics book and will increase your tactical ability. Feel free to grab other works like Reinfield and Polgar's puzzle books, but don't overlook this collection, especially if you like to play the Sicilian.

Sicilian Combinations.......2004-07-26

While it is true this book is essentially a book of 500 combinations there are a couple interesting aspects to it that previous reviewers have overlooked.
1) All combinations come from "Sicilian" openings and list ECO in the answers...while for the beginning player this might not matter, it is worthwhile to study patterns and ideas from openings that you play.
2) The problems have been checked to insure there are no ambiguous alternate answers....which is a common problem in chess tactic books...nothing worse than banging your head against a problem where your idea is equally legitimate or better. Lishvits's Test your chess comes to mind....
Aagaard has an enjoyable writing style, and aims to an audience somewhere between Silman and his excellent primers on strategy, and Dvoretsky and his world class books.

Another puzzle book.......2004-07-26

The previous reviewer is correct; the book is merely a collection of combinations problems taken from master play. A plethora of such books already exist, and there is nothing in Aagaard's book to distinguish it from the competition.

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