The engineers at Strong-Tie indicated this is a must for every builders library, but wondering if it would be way over my head as a beginner.
http://www.amazon.com/Design-Wood-Structures-Donald-Breyer/dp/0071379320
That is an engineering text and would be difficult to slog through on your own.
If you want to understand the workings of wood in structures and how to size members for your own projects, a far better read is an old book by Charlie Wing, "From the Ground Up" - http://www.amazon.com/GROUND-CHARLES-WING-JOHN-COLE/dp/B000JR5O96/ref=sr_1_2/103-4154126-1063861?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1175093897&sr=8-2
Wing is an engineer, an owner-builder and a very graphic and clear teacher. Much better than the self-important bozo engineers who teach at most universities and write the engineering texts.
If you read Wing and Cole first, then you will know the lingo and forces well enough to get into something more advanced and leading edge such as the book you were recommended.
Thanks !
John is right on the money. Charlie Wings books are classics and one of my favorites. One of his books is written in the form of letters between him and a new owner builder, answering the guys various questions as his house progresses. A sort of down home modern Socratic dialogue. Its a great book with easy to understand illustrations. If I was going to buy a book on home building, that would be the one for me.
Also if you would like an interesting read, a diary of one man's adventure watching his own house be designed and built, let me recommend Tracy Kidder's book HOUSE. Another classic read.
I got the Wing books per John's recommendation. Great books. They were only available used as they were out of print but I had no trouble finding them.