The Chess Player's Bible?

I thought I'd get back to basics and borrow a few beginner's books from the library. First up is The Chess Player's Bible by James Eade & Al Lawrence. What do you think of this book? At first sight it looks like a nice production, lots of pretty coloured pictures in a hardback/ring bound design that seems very user friendly.

But it seems like a strange title for a beginners book! THE Bible is the definitive statement of the Christian religion, and makes no concessions to beginners. A title like Chess for Beginners might have been more appropriate. Also, the introduction seems a bit of a put off for beginners, if quite unintentionally amusing.

For instance, he stresses there are lots of pretty pictures and that the first page is the most text you will encounter. Then he waffles on for two more pages, about nothing, and both pages have a lot more text than the first  I just lost confidence in this author!

Also he waffles on about an amusing mistake made by an expert regarding the Kings Indian Defence in the introduction, as if the beginner might know what on earth he is on about. Surely this should not be the first thing a beginner encounters? I know what it is it is so understand he was trying to tell a funny story (but it wasn't funny.) Oh well, I'll persevere and see if it improves...

"But it seems like a strange title for a beginners book! THE Bible is the definitive statement of the Christian religion,...."

yes, that is a strange title for a Book.    Many years ago  MCO ( modern chess openings ) used to be referred to as the Chessplayer's Bible -- as it was the comprehensive book on openings;  however Bible was not part of that very popular book's name.

I highly recommend the 1970 book "Chess Catechism" by Grandmaster Larry Evans.    "Imagine spending an evening or two at the master's elbow and asking questions to your heart's delight! That is what this book enables you to do. Larry Evans, who was U. S. National Champion at nineteen, has brought his seasoned judgment to bear on knotty problems posed in the course of his long career. By means of a question-and-answer format, progressing from simple to complex, the average player is led step by step to a clearer understanding of the game"

"Chess Catechism" sounds good, had to look up "catechism" though. "A catechism from Ancient Greek: κατηχέω, "to teach orally" is a summary or exposition of doctrine and serves as a learning introduction to the Sacraments traditionally." Actually, "the Chess Bible" gets a lot better after that title and introduction, looks like they put a lot of thought into the content, and then just slapped on a title & introduction, last minute, when the editor was asleep.

I have it, I think it's excellent.