Encyclopedia of Wood

This book gives a nice overview on some basic principles of wood, such as its properties, methods of producing lumber, and tips on selecting the right kind of lumber for your needs. I found it to be interesting & informative. Personally, I found the entire section dedicated to veneers & manufactured boards a bit much, but if this interests you, it is probably a good source.
The most useful aspect is the wood directory, a comprehensive guide to 78 types (ok, it could probably have included more) of wood available commercially in N. America. Complete w/ accurate color photos, it offers descriptions, uses, properties, & even whether the wood is endangered or rare. Don't expect to find any sort of project or tool tips here - you won't find any. But for a good, complete guide to all things wood, look no further.