Yay! I've been waiting for someone to ask about books. The Frank, Rosenthal, and Cervantes books are all more or less of the same quality if you ask me. Jorge's are the most recent but his editing is also some of the worst. I also don't dig the advertising in the recent editions of some of his books. And, if there is a lot of redundant and reprinted information in his various titles. Here's what I'd suggest:
THE BIG THREE -- these guys provide the common ground in terms of most common references available.
Cervantes -- $20
-- Frank & Rosenthal. ~$3 used.
-- Mel Frank . $15 new, ~$2 used.
--For indoor small space growers. Rosenthal. $11 new, $5 used.
OTHER AUTHORS
I personally prefer the books by a few other authors. I have the above because they're such common references and because they document the changing opinions and technology over time.
Ok--
TOM FLOWERS. Books available in some heads shops and collectives if your bookstore doesn't have them and you don't want to order.
This guy is great on very specific topics. Check out these titles:
-- This book kicks ass if you feel like you need an instruction manual for hydro. $9 - $20.
--Not as good as the first, but still a nice survey of some advanced growing techniques. Needs a revised edition, there are some textual errors in bad places that the editor didn't catch that might mislead a total newbie.
GREG GREEN
This guy is great. He writes and is edited more carefully than the Big Three but his books are just as comprehensive. The Breeder's guide approaches serious science--be prepared for a healthy dose of botany and genetics.
-- $15. You should buy this. Or, there is a new 2008 edition available for preorder. So you can wait for that, or wait for this edition to get remaindered and buy it cheap.
-- This shit will blow your mind. For when just growing isn't hard enough anymore. Invent your own strains, change the world! $15
JEFF MOWTA
What I like this guy for is his Crazy Book O Setups. He has what appears to be a grow guide but is mainly an catalog of variants of various types of grow room setups. Great for looking for something with the right fit, or ideas for hybridization. May lead to stoned carpentry.
SEE MORE BUDS (GARDEN KNOWM)
The authority on CFL grows.
If I have to explain further, you guzzle too much kakk.
-- $12
(iloveyou)
THE HEAVY SHIT
Are you ready for it?
-- You are not a Jedi, yet. $17 will get you to Degoba.
-- A little more approachable and general than Clarke. I really, really like this book. It's very well written and is almost and education unto itself. $15
SO YOU THINK YOU'RE TUFF?
I am not this tough.