Canadian journalist Jordan Himelfarb's book, Interregnum, is a sweeping account of the elite men's chess circuit. The book follows the search for a post-Carlsen-era men's world champion, tracing the journey from the 2022 Madrid Candidates to the 2024 world title clash in Singapore.
With detailed portraits of grandmasters from around the globe, Interregnum delves into the sport's histories, passions, and obsessions. Himelfarb explores the personalities, clashes, and controversies that define the chess world, including Magnus Carlsen's efforts to transform the sport with shorter time-controls and his own Champions Chess Tour.
The book also examines the differing views of younger players, who prefer to preserve the classical chess championship, and the physical and mental demands of competing at the elite level, with players burning up to 1000 calories during a single game.
Interregnum is a lavishly described landscape of genius, prodigies, and eccentrics, offering a compelling narrative of the struggle to be the best in the world of chess.
