Hein Donner (1927-1988) was a Dutch Grandmaster and one the greatest writers on chess of all
time. He was born into a prominent Calvinistic family of lawyers in The Hague. His father who
had been the Minister of Justice and later became President of the Dutch Supreme Court
detected a keen legal talent in his son. But Hein opted for a bohemian lifestyle as a chess
professional and journalist. He scored several excellent tournament victories but never quite
fulfilled the promise of his chess talent. Hein Donner developed from a chess player-writer
into a writer-chess player. His provocative writings and his colourful persona made him a
national celebrity during the roaring sixties. His book 'The King' a fascinating and often
hilarious anthology spanning 30 years of chess writing is a world-wide bestseller and features
on many people's list of favourite chess books. The author Harry Mulisch his best friend
immortalized Hein Donner in his magnum opus The Discovery of Heaven. In 2001 the book was
adapted for film with Stephen Fry playing the part that was based on Donner. Included in Hein
Donner is the interview in which Harry Mulisch tells about his friendship with Donner. After
suffering a stroke at the age of 56 Donner lived his final years in a nursing home. He
continued writing however typing with one finger and won one of the Netherlands' most
prestigious literary awards. Alexander Münninghoff has written a captivating biography of a
controversial man and the turbulent time and age he lived in.
