Gudmundur Thorarinsson Knihy

The narrative explores Iceland's surprising role in hosting the 1972 World Chess Championship between Boris Spassky and Bobby Fischer, highlighting the skepticism of its citizens. Despite being a small island nation, Iceland's ambition to stage such a significant event showcases its unique cultural and historical context, emphasizing the intersection of sports, politics, and national identity during a pivotal moment in chess history.

When the Icelandic Chess Federation made a bid to host the 1972 world title match between Soviet icon Boris Spassky and American challenger Bobby Fischer, many Icelanders were rightly shaking their heads in disbelief. How could their small island country in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with a population of less than 300 thousand people stage such a prestigious event in the first place? Fifty years on, the organiser and president of the Icelandic Chess Federation, Gudmundur Thorarinsson has written a tell-all book about 'The Match of the Century', crammed with behind-the-scenes stories and improbable twists and turns. Reading his gripping account of probably the most iconic sports contest during the Cold War, you will understand why he prefers to call it 'The Match of All Time'.