Any opinions on book selection?

I generally like looking at classics like Lasker or Casablanca my co-
worker suggest that reading old books is passe. I am missing out on
new inventive openings that are much better. Any thoughts one which
is better old or new?

A good mixture of both... no GM today would be where he is at without
studying the games of the ones before him.

Dave

Do you recommend any selection of books in general. I talked to a
guy in borders one day and he suggested a well rounded collection
consist of a good pawn structure book, followed by an opening book
and then a good end game book. What is your opinion DAve

Books everyone should own:

Complete Games of Bobby Fischer (either Wade or the Hays version)

500 Master Games of Chess by Tarkatower

Modern Chess Openings 14th edition by deFirmian

Basic Chess Endings by Fine

The Art of Attack in Chess by Vuckovic

These will get you going really well.

Dave

I'm surprised you didn't mention Nimzo's "My System"-- that's the
book that helped kick my game up to the next level.
Tim

That comes later Tim...this was just to get him started. It takes awhile
to grasp that book and if you grab it too early you will always hate it.

Dave