Some of his examples have been used many times by authors varying from Reinfeld to Kotov. True, this does not detract from their instructional value, and the less- experienced players the book is aimed at are not likely to notice, but it should be noted that Davies is functioning more as a compiler and presenter of ideas than a generator of them. We note this not to criticize but to emphasize the student's need for a broad spectrum of instructive works. Still, much of the book is relevant and worthwhile, some especially good examples being Davies' discussion of the Stonewall, an opening formation encountered frequently at the club level, and his treatment of hanging pawns, a topic somewhat mysterious to average players. On the whole, the pros outweigh the cons.
Instructional books are a bit of a gamble.
We can't say whether TPCP will bump your Elo more than books by, say, Lev Alburt, Rashid Ziatdinov, Yasser Seirawan, C. J. S. Purdy, or even old Fred Reinfeld. However, to paraphrase an old toothpaste ad, we feel that The Power Chess Program can be of significant value when used in a conscientiously applied program of chess study, especially for players around the 1400-1700 range. While we are not absolutely sure of how much good The Power Chess Program may do, it will surely do some, and certainly will do no harm. We cannot say the same of Chess Under the Microscope. With this book, Paul Motwani has produced a powerful emetic.