From handling of the chessmen you infer the secret springs of human character. To pluck the enemy chessman between your fingers and replace it with your own reveals the cultivated, well-bred killer who cannot stand the sight of blood; knock the chessman over with a small click of wood on wood tells of an aesthetic craving for the fatal instrument, of one more passionate than violent; to push the piece from its intended square is signal of aggressive character and plainly indicates that power is the motive for committing murder; some will hold the captured piece and caress it nervously: these kill from cowardice; those who seem apologetic, taking pawns reluctantly, kill for noble reasons; and he who clears the board with one great sweep of his hand will kill from lack of hope, defeated by the prospect of defeat, as did my father only death could mate.
- ISBN10 6613843822
- ISBN13 9786613843821
- Publish Date 30 March 1999 (first published 1 January 1999)
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 9 October 2012
- Publish Country US
- Imprint McGill-Queen's University Press
- Format eBook
- Pages 88
- Language English