Book Review: "The King" by J.H. Donner
Book Review: "The King" by J.H. Donner
Translated and Published: 2006 New in Chess
This book was originally published in Dutch in 1987 under the title "De Koning." It consists of articles and columns written by the Dutch Grandmaster Jan Donner for various newspapers and magazines from 1950 to 1985. The selection of texts included in the book was made by Tim Krabbe and Max Pam.
In addition to his chess career (he was considered the best Dutch player after Max Euwe stopped actively competing and before the emergence of Jan Timman), Donner was a man of exceptionally broad education with an undeniable literary gift. In 1987, when this book was released, Donner received one of the most significant Dutch literary awards, the Henriette Roland-Holst Prize, for another collection of columns titled "Na mijn dood seschreven" (Written after my Death).
The articles primarily focus on chess in the broadest sense, often extending beyond tournament halls to explore ethics, the socio-political situation of the time, psychology, philosophy, and technology. They are interesting as historical testimonies of chess events, providing firsthand accounts of the atmosphere and events from the tournaments in which our narrator participated. Many of the articles, when first published, sparked controversies in the public sphere.
“…the greatest and most dangerous temptation of sports: they give people
the illusion that they can be innocent as long as they obey the rules.”
What sets this book apart, aside from being written by a literary figure, a grandmaster, and a true cosmopolitan, is that it reveals the personality of a man who dedicated his writing to one ideal – the pursuit of truth. Uncompromisingly, Donner is willing to expose himself completely, to engage in conflict with anyone, and to risk his entire career for the sake of this ideal. However, don't expect some "rebel without a cause" here, seeking popularity for its own sake. Donner is first and foremost strict with himself, ready to admit his own mistakes and delusions. Through his writings, he confronts hypocrisy, (stupid) sensationalism in journalism, baseless bragging, prejudices (although he himself suffered from some), lies, and more. In such attacks, he is fierce; his language sometimes becomes vulgar, but he expects the same from his opponents because, if necessary, language should endure to illuminate the truth. His views are deeply humanistic; you won't hear him "singing praises" to the powerful. He is always on the side of the oppressed but not lenient toward their misconceptions.
Even someone outside the world of chess could read this book with enjoyment. For chess enthusiasts, especially those interested in chess as a cultural phenomenon, it is a real treat!
“I have won tournaments and I have traveled all over the world. In South
America, I met with men from the dawn of humanity, and in Asia, a woman
passed by who strode as if she was never going to die. In a small backstreet in
Prague, slanting up the hill towards the castle, I saw God.
Life in the fleetingness of the game whets the senses for the things that do not
pass. In a different culture, I would have entered a monastery. Ascesis is what
chess is, mortification, self-destruction, and nothing else.” J.H.Donner
