I thought I would share my brief opinion of the review of Walter’s new book with USCF members (which I think I successfully posted on Chess.Cafe.com!?):
I found this book review to be slightly snotty as I used to know Walter well and the repetitious style of the autobiographical sections are just like the way he talks–usually mostly about himself! The book is really quite revealing about Browne’s brilliant, albeit somewhat obsessive, personality and is, in fact, one of the finest autobiographical games collections ever written. Despite all faults, stronger players and/or better writers than your reviewer would certainly have given it five stars.
Fred Wilson
I think the book is great. I would like to have seen more about his early years however. I met him in 1964 when he was 15 and already a master. I would like to have seen a few games from before he became a master.
The book is in the energetic and active style of the real Walter Shawn Browne himself.
Isn’t an autobiography supposed to be about yourself?
I agree that it is a fine game collection. As for the autobiographical prose…well, I’ll just say that story-telling is an art, just like chess, and just because you’re good at one doesn’t mean you’re good at the other. I have provided my review in much greater detail at amazon.com, for anyone who is interested.