Monday, December 1, 2008

Blackmar: Gone with the Wind?

Today I came across a review by Sean Marsh of a new book by IM Gary Lane, who years ago published a book on the Blackmar-Diemer (and also wrote a couple of articles for my magazine, BDG World).  Lane's new book is The Greatest Ever Chess Tricks and Traps (published November 2008 EU, December 2008 US, ISBN 9781857445770, paperback, 240 pages).

Marsh writes:
As usual in a book by IM Lane (a specialist in writing chatty books for club players), little biographical and historical snippets are often used to add colour and background to the players and games.

For example, in his analysis of the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit, he relates a little surprise:

‘Did you know? It is alleged that music composed by Blackmar can be `heard in the famous Gone with the Wind.’

Having blown away numerous chess opponents with his favourite opening, it seems quite fitting.
Well, a surprise to some, perhaps. But this has been discussed (without resolution, apparently) previously. See for example, Unsolved Chess Mysteries (11) by Edward Winter. I'll try to round up my notes and provide a little more info on this