In my opinion, this book is something of a closet classic. While many players recognize its value, it isn't generally listed on mainstream collections of the chess classics. Part of the reason may be that the book is as much about the middlegame – or at least the transition between the late middlegame and endgame – as anything. A player seeking a general primer on the endgame may be disappointed, but I think such a reaction will be rare.

This is that rare chess book that gets you thinking about chess. It introduces important chess concepts that don't get as much attention as they deserve. Notable chapters include an outstanding discussion of the fundamental isolated queen pawn endgame, a superb chapter on schematic thinking, and a thorough explanation of the theory of two weaknesses. I can truthfully say that each of these chapters have expanded my chess thought and won me several tournament games.

The Pergamon edition of this book is the English translation of a book first published in the USSR in 1981. According to GM Yusupov in the introduction, the original edition sold out its 50,000 copies shortly after it was released.  Shereshevsky is a noted Belorussian trainer who utilizes the endgame teaching methods of Mark Dvoretsky. 

If you do not own this book, buy, beg, or borrow it. If you do own it, read or re-read it.  You will not be disappointed.