This was the book I learned backgammon with in the 1970s. It doesn't have modern 1990s theory but still provides solid all-around advice on a variety of topics. The book's strengths are its discussions of probabilities, back games, late positions, and unusual plays. There is also a long history of the game and a lot of discussion of chouettes and other variations. The modern expert might not agree with the opening moves or the doubling theory, but all in all there's plenty there for newcomers to learn.