"There is a class of men—shadowy, unhappy, unreal-looking men—who gather in coffee houses, and play with a desire that dieth not, and a fire that is not quenched. These gather in clubs and play tournaments...but there are others who have the vice who live in country places, in remote situations—curates, schoolmasters, tax collectors—who must needs find some artificial vent for their mental energy."

—H.G. Wells, Concerning Chess

most fascinating. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,910405-1,00.html " target="_blank">http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,910405-1,00.html