Hi

Can anybody recommend me any book on prophylaxis and defense? I would like theory books, but also exercises only book in this nature.....

Thanks
FS

Here is a link to "How to Defend in Chess: Learn From The World Champions"-
Amazon.com: How to Defend in Chess: Learn from the World Champions: Colin Crouch: Books
From the Back Cover of my copy published in 2000-
"Many books discuss how to attack in chess, but good, resourceful defensive play is also a vital ingredient in competitive success. However, this is an area largely neglected in the literature of the game. This book fills the gap admirably, by explaining the basics of defending against direct offensives, and taking an in-depth look at how the all-time greats have fended off their opponents' attacks. Following a survey of general defensive methods in chess, Dr. Crouch investigates the defensive techniques of World Champions Emanuel Lasker and Tigran Petrosian. Despite their vastly different styles, Lasker and Petrosian were both highly effective defenders. Lasker would place myriad practical obstacles in the opponent's way, and was a master of the counterattack. Petrosian developed Nimzowitsch's theories of prophylaxis to a new level. His opponents would find that 'somehow' their attacking chances had been nullified long before they could become reality."

And,of course, perhaps the book can be found cheaper on Ebay etc. The book is basically heavily annotated games of Lasker and Petrosian. I admit I haven't read the whole thing but every time I think about purging some of the books in my library...this one always sticks around in my collection.

I could be wrong but I think these concepts are covered in Dvoretsky's 'Attack and Defence'. However, it is quite an advanced book.

Also, there is a section in Keres and Kotov's "Art of the Middle Game" on defending difficult positions.