I have a few of Znosko-Borowski's books.  It seems pretty clear from the comments here that the list provided is aimed at pretty high level players.  Znosko-Boroski's are definately more accessible.  I know that simply because I read his middle game book before ever playing in a tournament or playing against anyone other than my friends, and it improved my game a lot.  I absolutely adore that book.  His "How Not to Play Chess" is aimed at even more of a beginner than the middle game book.  I started reading his book on combinations (because I like the other two so much, especially the middle game book) but I couldn't get into it.  This was all around 20 years ago.

I'm going to dig into this list once I get through my current re-reading as I'm returning to playing chess and want to get better before walking into the Marshall Chess Club-- My System, EZB's middle game book (cringe all you want), Soltis's Pawn Structure Chess, Hooper and Euwe's Guide to Chess Endings.

Hey IMCheap (I'd rather use your real name since you someone of stature here) I really appreciate your participation and Natalia's participation here at chess.com.  I also like that you guys write here like a tag team sort of.  You provided this list, but it is largely her list as well.  I think that would make for higher quality content.  Anyway, thanks.

Well, I dont think "how not to play chess" is superficial.....it taught me how to play chess (how to plan in chess ), however it does look like he's trying to make you a chess master in a very short book. But atleast the book puts the reader in the right road. Before that I was wondering here and there in openings...and not really improving.

Thanks im gonna buy it!

This is an execellent  list of great books!

Can't call myself a big fan of the Znosko-Borowski book - it's rather superficial. Of course, Natalia's origin play a certain role, but the main point is that most good chess books have indeed been written by GMs and IMs from the Soviet Union. Since even now at a top event about 90 percent of GMs speak Russian, and before the proportion was even larger.

Since Natalia is Russian, it is not surprising that most of the books in her list were authored by writers from the former Soviet Union.  Of course there are other equally notable books by Western authors.  Nonetheless, for a beginner (or for any level), I personally recommend Eugene Znosko-Borowski's book, "How Not To Play Chess".  It is an easy reading without having the strain of going over a lot of variations - just some simple practical tips on the fundamentals of playing the game. 

blah-blah-blah - please see my reply three posts below yours

I have 3 last books mentioned in the article, and I found them great... However, I expected Nimzowitsch "My System" here.

I think everyone should read Dvoretsky´s serie of books School of chess excellence......

A great list of books.   I have just been left a copy of "Test Tube Chess" by A.J.Rycroft which looks interesting in parts.

Sigmar2 - Nimzovich's My System is indeed a must-read, goes without saying

Great books even if they tend to be a bit esoteric for mere mortal chess players such as myself. There are only two on the list that I own. It seems unlikely I'll grow into the others as my chess abilities might continue to grow but not at a rate that would make the other books suitable for my level.

i dont know from where to buy them

IL MIO SISTEMA    
Aaron Nimzowitsch, MURSIA, Collana i classici, 2000, p. 343

Dear friend,

this is an exellent list,I read some of those book when i was a kid but is

think you miss one of the best i ever read.......

Valour- Dvoretsky is known as an author for CM and better players. His books are great, but really tough. Some of his problems are hard even for strong grandmasters. So for beginners Dvoretsk'y books can be looked through just to see what advanced chess is about. Very interesting, but too complicated, just like two grandmasters playing.

valex- yes, but there are many online shops. Let me know if you need help on finding something.

Clavius - point taken. When Natalia compiled this list of her favorite chess books, she forgot to assess their level. However, as I pointed out above, even Dvoretsky's books (which are for 2200+ players) can be of interest to amateurs. All the other books are even less sophisticated and can be recommended.

fanat - yes, that program is nice, although "Ten chess programs you don't want to miss" is a topic of another article.

spencer79, kaichess,  Ideological_Slav - thanks, guys!

Panchenko's "Theory and practice of chess endings" is the underlying book in the new "Theory and Practice of Chess endings" program by Convekta (same company that has CT-ART). Highly reccommended!

fro beginners, how to reassess your chess is a great book, by Jeremy Silman

Chess book recommendations should be accompanied by a rating range to show which level of player is appropriate.  In response to Valour, for example, there is no Dvoretsky book appropriate for beginners.  Take a look here for a thoughtful list of chess books categorized by experience    level: http://danheisman.home.comcast.net/~danheisman/Events_Books/General_Book_Guide.htm

I would not recommend anything by mark dvoretsky for the beginner. I am a uscf low 1500s and almost 40, and, though i am now getting to like dvoretsky, he is still considerably over my head, though I am beginning to grow into him.