"In an age where cookie-cutter chess books are a dime a dozen, Burton's Chessays is a refreshingly different read. The collection is well researched and entertaining, and Burton comes across as intelligent, honest and transparently opinionated, somehow simultaneously (and expertly) giving the perspective of an insider and a newcomer to the chess world."
- GM David Smerdon
"Chessays was highly enjoyable to read and encourages thoughtful discussion surrounding the game of chess...the practical implications of chess as a vehicle for addressing important social issues and its viability as a tool for education for marginalized communities, and rehabilitative programming for those incarcerated...impressed by both Howard's extensive research and understanding of complex issues within the chess community while highlighting practical ways that our chess community can expand the reach and impact of chess."
- Russ Makofsky, The Gift of Chess
"One of the most profound, interesting, entertaining, humorous, and thought-provoking books I have ever read...characteristics that delighted me: opinionation, deep insights and knowledge about the chess world, no filter in writing, humour/writing style, profound and original ideas, thoughts, and observations. I can't recall when was the last time I encountered so many profound and original ideas and potential solutions regarding some very concrete issues we are facing as a chess world."
- Chessentials, Best Books of 2022
"...Burton is new to this world, one which naturally mistrusts outsiders...a fresh perspective and enables him to debunk in his typically humorous and sardonic style many of the long-held assumptions about the game. He questions the rarely debated opinion that chess is proof of superior intelligence, and wonders whether the skill shown in moving pieces around a board is as easily transferable to other activities as many seem to claim."
- GM Daniel Gormally
"A candid, engaging and provocative glimpse into the world of chess by a former physicist-turned-filmmaker...Get taken on a whirlwind journey through chess history, chess politics, gender issues in competitive chess, and thoughts regarding the benefits of playing chess...each essay offers authentic thoughtful viewpoints, including fascinating reflections on the global chess community and the future of chess."
- Wang-Sheng Lee, Associate Professor Economics & Sustainability, Monash University
"...the essays are well written and well structured...The substance of the essays is intriguing...most readers, both chess players and others, will find many points of interest..."
- John Knott, co-author of Blindfold Chess
