Although there are at least 6 general biographies of Bobby Fischer, Ponterotto (counseling psychology, Fordham U.) states in the author's note that this is "the most comprehensive, in-depth,
and balanced psychological profile heretofore published ...." In analyzing topics such as Bobby's likely father and the possible relationship between genius and madness, Ponterotto relied on
both interviews and a review of the extensive FBI file on his mother, Regina Fischer. The book falls somewhere in-between a scholarly monograph and a writing for the general reader. It includes
10 black and white plates in the center of the book and four appendixes outlining Bobby's chess history and selected personal events, along with timelines for the lives of his mother and
earlier master Paul Morphy. Annotation 穢2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
