Irving Chernev (1900–1981) was a prolific American chess author and an enthusiastic ambassador of the game. Born in Pryluky, then part of the Russian Empire (now in Ukraine), he emigrated to the United States in 1920. Chernev became known for his easy-to-read and entertaining writing style, penning books that appealed to both beginners and more advanced players. Throughout his life, he authored more than 20 books on chess, with some of his most notable works including "Logical Chess: Move by Move," "The Most Instructive Games of Chess Ever Played," and "1000 Best Short Games of Chess." His works often emphasized the instructive value of chess games and were packed with anecdotes, which made them enjoyable to a wide audience. Chernev's contributions to chess literature have made his books enduring classics, and many are still recommended for players who wish to learn and improve their game.