Help a chess newb out...

I am a new chess geek. I am a longtime history geek. Therefore, it bothers me that I know so little about the history of chess. I listen to other players debate things like "who was the greatest of all time" and whatnot, and their favorites, and I want in the conversation!

To that end, can any of you recommend a good history of chess? I am interested in a rather cursory overview of the origins and evolution of the game, and would like a more detailed account of "modern" chess, from about the mid 19th century through today.

Also, I would love to read a good biography of Alekhine. He is my favorite thus far, and his life sounds interesting to say the least.

Thanks in advance!

David Shenk's The Immortal Game is not exactly what you describe, but it's a darn interesting look at the interplay of chess and other aspects of human experience (culture, psychology, technology) throughout the game's history.

Seems you're in murfreesboro, so I must direct you to two great friends of mine: Robert Guthrie and William Witherspoon, especially the latter. Both are extremely well read in chess.

Yeah, I know Robert, he is the president of the local chess club. I'm sure I have probably met WW as well, although it doesn't ring a bell.

I don't think there is a short course in chess history.  I have been bouncing around this site for quite a while and have barely scratched the surface.  I have found a very interesting member with a great web site and tons of info.

http://www.chess.com/members/view/batgirl

and her web site...

http://sbchess.sinfree.net/archives.html

I learn something new everytime I visit.

MAIN IDEAS in CHESS HISTORY

--Ancient origins. Where-ever it came from it took the form of Chaturanga in India/Persia.

--Medieval Europe. The game was introduced to Europe probably along trade routes. The Europeans modified the piece names to better match the players in their society. Kings, Queens, Knights, Bishops.....

--Russia. State funded programs taught chess to the masses starting in the 1920's and 1930's I think. Special chess schools were started for gifted young players. This helped the Russians to dominate the scene even if Bobby Fisher won the championship in Iceland in 1972 for the US. Russia still has the strongest tradition, but India and China have gotten into the game.

--Computers and the Internet. The Internet has been huge for chess. Early chess computers were thought weak by top human players, but now the computers are pretty strong. The Internet allows a non-stop stream of games of chess happening all over the world at the same time and it allows chess discussion forums.

Anything I left out??

For more chess history than you can shake a stick at, visit:

http://www.chesshistory.com/winter/