I'm not a great chess player and don't even have a rating. for now my goal is to defeat my dad, who's not a chess lover, but a good chess player nevertheless. I'm about half way through with this book, and I already think it's good.
This book covers not only the basic rules, but also opening, middle, and end game strategy, with hundred's of great games demonstrating his point. Even though it may be a little hard to understand, it clearly states the points he's trying to make, and is truly a wise teacher who's not alive.
This book is worth every cents of it.