Danish Grandmaster Bent Larsen has been one of the most popular
players internationally for over four decades. Many believe that he
was in his prime in the late 1960s, rivalling Bobby Fischer as the
strongest player in the West. When the following letter was
written, Fischer had smashed his way through matches with
Taimanov, Larsen himself and former world champion Tigran
Petrosyan to become the official challenger of the reigning world
champion, Boris Spassky. Here is a most interesting letter written
to the US Chess Federation's Executive Director, and, more
importantly, Fischer's confidante, Ed Edmondson. And, for those
of you so inclined, we refer you to Item 35 in the Russell
Collection catalog online.

From: Bent Larsen To: Ed Edmondson Date: April 22, 1972

Hello Ed, You probably have enough worries, about the match, just
now. Anyway: I have not heard from Dobsich yet. But if there are
possibilities to arrange a few exhibitions after the US Open, I am
all for it. And maybe a Labor Day weekend tournament.

About the "Fried Chicken" I have also had a letter from
Kotanowski. He wants biography, that is easy. And measurements
for a blazer? That's a new chess problem.

My tournament plans this year include Las Palmas (Canary
Islands) 28/5-18/6. And Hastings. But not the olympiad, thanks to
Elo.

I had not read Andric' article. Some of those Yugoslav chess
journalists are horrible. I shall write to Ken Smith about it.

Here, I play weakly and luckily and lead with 3 of 4. The Russians
cabled two days before the start that Tal and Vasyukov could not
come. Not very nice.

About Bobby: It seems he spoilt the advantage you had got for
him, to play first half the match in Beograd. A man from BBC said
Iceland was still willing to have the whole match. So why Euwe's
desperate discussions in Australia??   Apologies for my
handwriting. Regards to Nancy.   Best wishes,   Bent Larsen