Here's a thought: I want to go back to the beginning, from square one so to speak. I would like suggestions on how to learn chess using books (chess software is not an issue for this question since it is provided). What books would you suggest for a beginner for principles,tactics, opening, middle game and end game. Asumme the student is starting from scratch. I'm interested to see what everyone suggests. Thanks!

GM yasser seirawans books like winning chess tactics and winning chess openings are very beginner friendly

I still think the "old" Bruce Pandolfini Books are great for learning the game, especially "Weapons of Chess" and "Pandolfini's Endgame Course" for concepts all players should have familiarity with, since they are seen in many games.......Bruce has a good way of explaining common chess situations, and his books are easy reads (IMO).....you don't really need to set up a board and move pieces around with many of his books (although that always helps!), so that's also a plus, especially for a person when traveling.....

When I was learning, I liked Fred Reinhold. An old writer 1940's or so, but made it easy to understand. I still have his Complete Ches Course.

Weapons of Chess------------------------- NM Bruce Pandolfini

Chess Tactics for Champions------------ WGM Susan Polger

The Complete Book of Chess Strategy- IM Jeremy Silman

Thanks friends! The reason I am asking for suggestions is because I am going to start using my band's myspace page to promote positive things to do. A great number of fans of the band I play with are young, 15 to 18 years of age. If you're in a position  to influence kids, you have to take the responsibility seriously. There's a lot of drug use in the music industry and it's really up to bands to speak against bad life choices. However, if you're going to speak out against, the use of drugs for example, you have to offer something in return. Kid's get bored and are always looking for things to do. This is where chess comes in. There are a lot of kids who would give the game a chance, but they need to be able to easily learn the basic concepts. That's why I'm asking. I'm promoting chess as an interesting thing to do and get involved in.

try www.chesskids.com v nice and friendly , go through the courses from 1 to 9

new generation prefers online than books

     I actual like my chess books in pdf form since I can carry hundreds on my laptop. However, I still like the feel of a real book. I have a science library fast apporaching 1000 volumes. I read three or four books at a time and read at least one a week, sometimes two. I know what you mean about online tutorials and training. Sometimes there is too much unneccessary text.

in fact the 9 courses of chesskids is really good for begginers....anyway since u r like me in loving books , as the colleages say above Seirawan books are really easy and user friendly (especially openings and tactics), also the 2 books of capablanka chess fundamentals and primer in chess,  i believe also "Wolff's the complete idiots guide" is not a bad start

The chesskids series is a great idea. Thanks!