Chess books?

I'm not really a beginner in chess; I'm familiar with the rules and basic play of the game, for I've been playing my whole life. I haven't however, studied out any tactics, strategies, openings, etc,. I was wondering which book(s) would be more relevant to that? 

books by nigel short are very good, he is an excellet writer.

I find the books done by Everyman Chess are very good books.

Ofcourse, you must have read "Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess" must read for everyone

A BOOK BY PATRICK WOLFF =PAST USA GRAND MASTER==BARN AND NOBLE=39.00

If you're looking for chess performance, a tactics primer such as Seïrawan's Winning Chess Tactics is great.

If you're looking for overall development, then a good classical games collection like Reti's Masters of the Chessboard would be an eye-opener.

"Chess for Dummies"...it is a good, solid, very readable and comprehensive book for low and middle level players.

I believe national master Dans Heisman has a huge number of chess book recommendations on his website at http://home.comcast.net/~danheisman/Events_Books/General_Book_Guide.htm. You can also try and take a look at http://www.squidoo.com/chess-reference.