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Unless I'm mistaken "The Dynamic English" focuses on this (2. g3 for English) almost exclusively.

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I definitely recommend "the dynamic english" and also "how to play the english opening" by anatoly karpov as a supplemental work.

As for "play the english" from everyman...I have yet to read it but it looks promising 

ericmittens wrote:

I definitely recommend "the dynamic english" and also "how to play the english opening" by anatoly karpov as a supplemental work.

As for "play the english" from everyman...I have yet to read it but it looks promising 

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 As White, 1.c4 2.g3 is what I always play (except vs. 1...d5). I have 8 books on the English opening. I love Kosten's book 'The Dynamic English'; it''s my first choice to go to when I need an English book. The other book I like on the English 2.g3 system is Soltis' 3rd edition 'Winning with the English Opening'. Together, the Kosten and Soltis books should cover all your bases and teach you how to understand the English. Karpov's book "How to play the English" is too advanced for someone just starting to learn the opening. Although it's a good book, don't bother with it until you've had a lot more experience. He mostly played 2.Nc3 anyway. 

I'll definitely have a look at that soltis book, looks pretty nifty...though not as user friendly as the dynamic english.

 

You're right about Karpov's book, it is a little advanced but I really liked going over more recent english games. It made the english seem more "legit" to me