The Lewis Chessmen

Author: James Robinson
Paperback: 64 pages
ISBN: 0714150231


The Lewis chessmen were found in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis. The exact circumstances surrounding their discovery are a mystery and this book covers the numerous stories that explain how and why they were originally hidden, their discovery, and their eventual revealing to the world. The book contains a short history of the game of chess as well as fascinating descriptions of the different chess pieces, both their manufacture and political commentary of the Middle Ages. Having learnt to play chess using a replica set of the Lewis chessmen I thoroughly enjoyed this book.