No book can give you an architect's education and intimate kowledge of historical design, engineering, and mechanical systems. Unless you've got 6 years or so before you start building.

However, you could start with your local building code. You'll need to be well familiar withit. And for a little theory on relationships and what works, A Pattern Language (Alexander) and Patterns of Home (Jacobsen). To stay away from builder cliches, What Not To Build (Edelman, et al.). What Your Contractor Can't Tell You (Johnston) for how to communicate and organize with professionals. The Susanka ''Not So Big'' series, but especially, Creating The Not So Big House. Designing Your Perfect House (Hirsch) Getting Your House Right (Cutsato). Better Houses, Better Living (Ferguson) Kitchen Design With Cooking In Mind (Silvers).

Designing Your Perfect House by William Hirsch - great information, especially for working with an architect

I second both "What not to build" and the Susanka books. They were huge helps for us.

I second the book What Your Contractor Can't Tell You (Johnston) that Holly Springs mentioned. It is well written and was especially helpful re: the contract phase and how to communicate effectively re: budgets, timing, etc. I admit it's a lot more exciting to think about the design and lay out of your new home than it is the business aspects and it's all just part of the process. Good luck with your project.

I'm another fan of Sara Susanka.

It's kind of a misnomer, as most of the houses featured would be considered large in my area. But I really relate to the idea of making a house comfortable for the occupants rather than impressive (intimidating) to visitors.