The Chess Machine |
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Author:
| Lohr, Robert |
Translator:
| Bell, Anthea |
ISBN: | 978-0-14-311436-9 |
Publication Date: | Sep 2008 |
Publisher: | Penguin Publishing Group
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Imprint: | Penguin Books |
Book Format: | Paperback |
List Price: | USD $15.00 |
Book Description:
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In 1770, Baron Wolfgang von Kempelen introduces Vienna to the Mechanical Turk'an unbeatable chess-playing automaton that, unbeknownst to an astonished Europe, is in fact nothing more than an illusion. The Turk is actually operated from within by a God-fearing dwarf named Tibor, whose chess-playing abilities and diminutive size make him the perfect accomplice in this grand hoax. But when a seductive countess dies under mysterious circumstances in the presence of the Turk, the machine...
More DescriptionIn 1770, Baron Wolfgang von Kempelen introduces Vienna to the Mechanical Turk'an unbeatable chess-playing automaton that, unbeknownst to an astonished Europe, is in fact nothing more than an illusion. The Turk is actually operated from within by a God-fearing dwarf named Tibor, whose chess-playing abilities and diminutive size make him the perfect accomplice in this grand hoax. But when a seductive countess dies under mysterious circumstances in the presence of the Turk, the machine and its inventor become the target of espionage, persecution, and intrigue. Based on a true story, this celebrated debut is a daring piece of storytelling, brimming with lust, scandal, and deception.