Who will be the next World Champion? is the question uppermost in the minds of chess players all over the world since the death of Alexander Alekhine. Many are called, but few are chosen, says the old phrase; and of those few, Mikhail Botvinnik is generally considered the most likely to succeed Alekhine. How Botvinnik rose to stardom is described in this book. His vast theoretical knowledge, his superb combinative skill, his merciless endgame play, his tenacity, resourcefulness and originality are all fully displayed in this truly outstanding and representative collection of his finest games. Everyone who traces Botvinnik"s career here, from the time he was fifteen to his present preeminence in the chess world, will understand why Botvinnik is so highly esteemed. For students of vital opening innovations and first class chess, the book is indispensable.