"Collector's volume, developed by FIDE for the 100th anniversary - printed in only 500 copies"
The history of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), one of the oldest global sporting organizations, is not only an important part of the centuries-old story of chess but also charts FIDE's growing influence on the world stage.
Amidst the whirlwind of the 20th and early 21st centuries, FIDE played a significant role on the global stage as it endeavored to dismantle barriers between East and West, bridge the gap between North and South, and unite humanity across the chessboard under our motto — Gens Una Sumus (“We Are One Family").
Right from the first chess Olympiad in London in 1927, FIDE has stood at the epicenter of historic events both on and off the chess board - without FIDE the geo-politically symbolic match between Spassky and Fischer in 1972, the epic duels between Karpov and Kasparov, and the rise of the new generation of chess players nurtured by the chess engines, simply would not have happened.
The Golden Book of FIDE, written by Willy Iclicki, Chair of FIDE's Historical Committee, provides the most comprehensive account of the first 100 years of FIDE. The book starts with the first steps to form an international chess federation in 1914 and covers the entire period of chess history up to the end of 2023. In providing a comprehensive overview of all the key events and milestones in the first century of FIDE, it meticulously chronicles the birth of international chess tournaments, the grandeur of the Olympiads, the fervor of World Championships, and the enduring legacy of players who adorned the game with their brilliance.
Within these pages lie the accounts of passion-driven minds whose unwavering commitment and passion are etched permanently upon the chessboard of history.
The significance of this book transcends that of a mere chronicle. It is a glorious celebration of a monumental milestone - a century of FIDE's unyielding dedication to chess and a testament to its transformative influence on the global chess community.
This opus is a tribute to the relentless pursuit of excellence, the unwavering dedication of countless individuals and the pivotal role which FIDE and its people have played in shaping the illustrious history of chess.
As we commemorate the centennial anniversary of FIDE, we pay homage to the countless creative minds, unsung heroes and legions of spirited competitors whose collective ardor demonstrates beyond cavil that chess is no mere game but can stand proudly as a cultural phenomenon.
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