This book in particular is among the best of which I am aware that introduces photographers to the concepts of good visual design. It is written in a highly accessible manner, using examples of "poor vs. better", "before and after" images that clearly drive home the concepts being discussed: highly recommended.

Bryan F. Peterson,
Understanding Exposure

Bryan relates that he initially met with considerable resistance from prospective publishers when he proposed the concept of a book devoted entirely to photographic exposure.

"The topic is too narrow to have broad appeal".  Despite this initial skepticism, "Understanding Exposure" has gone on to become one of the best selling photographic technique books of all time.  Continuously in print since originally published in 1990, it’s now in it’s second edition, and again is highly recommended.    
            

Bryan F. Peterson,
Beyond Portraiture 

Perhaps Bryan’s best written and best illustrated book to date.  Bryan describes in his easy going and positive manner the way in which he approaches subjects, often perfect strangers, builds trust and places them at ease in front of his camera.  

Freeman Patterson,
Photography for the Joy of It

This was one of the first "serious" books on photography and the creative process I bought when I became interested in photography during the mid-70′s.  Patterson literally opened my eyes.  His work, beginning with this book, became one of the major sources of inspiration for me.  There probably aren’t enough superlatives to describe the quality, clarity and impact of Freeman Patterson’s contribution to photographic education through his images and writing.  Even after thirty years, I still find forgotten gems when I pick up Freeman’s books.  Each of these is a must read. 

Eric Meola,
Last Places on Earth

Eric Meola assisted Pete Turner ("African Journey", see below) for a time early in his career.  Turner’s strong graphic sensibility and bold use of colour are evident in Meola’s work as well.  In the mid-80′s Meola formed something of an artistic alliance with Bruce Springsteen: his album cover photography for the "Born to Run" album is considered iconic.  After many years in the commercial advertising world, and after having garnered enough awards for any career, Meola set out over a ten year period to travel the world in search of the last places on earth where indigenous societies were still untouched by modern western culture.  The result is a stunning visual record of the these fast disappearing cultures.   

Steve McCurry, "South Southeast"

Steve McCurry is most famous for his portrait of a young Afghan girl taken in a refugee camp just over the border in Pakistan during the Soviet invasion of her country.  Originally appearing on the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1985, this simple portrait of the girl with the penetrating gaze quickly became an icon for the entire conflict and the struggle of the Afghan people to free themselves from the occupying Soviets.  If you don’t remember this iconic image, here’s a link to the Nat Geo Web-site .

Apart from this, McCurry is also one of the most respected documentary photographers in the world, having photographed many stories for National Geographic over the years. In this book McCurry shows a selection of images from southeast Asia and India, all of which re-confirm why Steve McCurry is one of the contemporary masters of photography.

Michael Yamashita, Marco Polo

Michael Yamashita is less well known perhaps than some of his National Geographic colleagues, which is a shame since he is also among the best practicing this documentary style of image making in the world today.

This particular book grew out of a multi year project for the National Geographic documenting the travels of Marco Polo from Italy to China and back.  Portions of what would later become this book were originally published as a three part series in NG magazine. This book is full of compelling imagery that recaptures the world as it might have been at the time of Marco Polo’s travels in the 13th century.

Pete Turner, African Journey

Pete Turner is unquestionably one of the fathers of modern colour photography.  Beginning in the 1950′s at a time when everyone else was shooting black & white, Turner began to create a body of work that is even today considered among the best examples of the medium.  This book is the result of several decades of travel throughout the African continent

Ernst Haas, The Creation

Ernst Haas is the father of modern colour photography, period.  While this book is out of print, it is definitely worth seeking out on the used market.  A re-telling of the story of creation from The Book of Genesis using Haas’ images, this is a visually stunning masterpiece that should be on every photographer’s bookshelf.

Bruce Fraser et al.
Real World Colour Management

Bruce Fraser was one of the giants of the industry.  His contributions to our understanding of colour management and digital post processing, before his passing in 2006, are unequalled.  His "Real World" series are in several cases considered the definitive titles on their particular topics.

Andrew Rodney,
Colour Management for Photographers

Andrew Rodney is one of the most knowledgeable individuals on the subject of colour management.  An articulate and accessible writing style make this an excellent guide on this complex topic.