George Routledge & Sons,Ltd, London, 1937, hardback in blue cloth with gold lettering to spine, viii+267 pages with diagrams,  

Originally published as Breviaire des echecs, Paris, Stock, 1934. First British edition, 1937, London, Routledge & K Paul, went through many reprints.Translated by J. du Mont. 1st American edition 1938, Philadelphia, David McKay.

The first part deals with the elements, and includes basic mates, some elementary endings and 50 miniature games. This is followed by a review of all the openings, with illustrative games, and short introductions to the middle-game, and end-game, which are mainly statements of basic principles in these areas.

Tartakower is regarded as one of the most notable chess personalities of his time. Harry Golombek translated Tartakower's book of his best games, and in the foreword wrote: Dr. Tartakower is far and away the most cultured and the wittiest of all the chess masters I have ever met. His extremely well stored mind and ever-flowing native wit make conversation with him a perpetual delight. So much so that I count it as one of the brightest attractions an international tournament can hold out for me that Dr. Tartakower should also be one of the participants. His talk and thought are rather like a modernized blend of Baruch Spinoza and Voltaire; and with it all a dash of paradoxical originality that is essential Tartakower.

Tartakower is also known for his countless aphorisms, sometimes called Tartakoverisms.