I have Bagirov's books. I think they are worthwhile, if you want to develop your own way to play the English (esp. if you don't mind mixing in d4 lines). They don't give an easy answer though, you have to figure out how all the different systems / lines can work together through transpositions (not that easy, as black can often delay c5), and it can be hard to find things at first (like the Botvinnik set up being in the "closed variation" chapter).

And, he does not give lines like 1.c4, e5, 2.g3 - here's an interesting (perhaps controversial) quote:

"Our analysis will be mainly concerned with 2.Nc3. Of course, other ways of developing, such as 2.g3, 2.Nf3, etc., are also possible, but they are less modern, and bear more resemblance to Reti's Opening or some kind of reversed Alekhine's Defence. Playing this way is possible, but it is unlikely to give you an advantage, and therefore we will not consider these moves".

So, if you like the "Dynamic English" style, you won't find some lines in this book (but, this book could give you an extra "weapon" or two, if you don't mind adding some strings like 2.Nc3).

Two English opening books I purchased since Bagirov's, IMO, seemed to simply patch together some of Bagirov's ideas into a repertoire (the analysis is almost exactly the same - using the same games). Better off just reading Bagirov - I think if you are serious about the English opening, and not looking for short cuts / happy to play 2.Nc3 - these books are great. There is a lot of material in here to guide you into making your own style, if you want that. 

For a d4 player looking to expand - these books are particularly powerful, for they can allow one to build a system to avoid certain openings of a feared opponent (e.g. Nimzo avoidance with either the Mikenas-Flohr or Anti-Nimzo, and Grunfeld avoidance), although of course - there is a price to be paid (various required English lines).

Markovich wrote on 05/04/09 at 15:44:59:

Indeed - lots of moves, not much explanation. I wouldn't buy them now but I'm glad I've got them

I also have the old russian language edition of the book. I remember that long time ago it was quite useful, but since i changed my repertoire I did not use it. Anyway if the quality of the english one is the same as russian one then it is a good buy espite the fact that the material will be outdated. For sure you will find there a lot of unknown games which are not published nor in Mega, nor in CA Base.

Is the books by Bagirov worth buying or are they just too old ?

/NL