Christopher Alexander , Notes on the Synthesis of Form, Harvard University Press, 1970; ISBN 0674627512.
Alexander started by thinking about design as decisions resolving conflicting constraints, leading to further decisions to resolve the remaining constraints.
Christopher Alexander , The Timeless Way of Building, Oxford University Press, 1979; ISBN 0195024028.
Outlines Christopher Alexander's view of architecture and construction. The relationship described between designers/builders and the users of buildings is much the same as the relationship between the programmers and the customer.
Ross King , Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture, Penguin Books, 2001; ISBN 0142000159.
Extreme architecture and construction. Brunelleschi refused to be intimidated by problems, a great example of the principle of opportunity.
Field Marshal Irwin Rommel , Attacks: Rommel, Athena, 1979; ISBN 0960273603.
Examples of proceeding in apparently hopeless circumstances.
Dave Thomas and Andy Hunt , The Pragmatic Programmer, Addison-Wesley, 1999; ISBN 020161622X.
Dave and Andy couple technical skill with an attitude that I call extreme.
Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston , Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life, Hyperion, 1995; ISBN 0786860707.
Describes how the team structure at Disney evolved over the years to deal with changing business and technology. There are also lots of good tips for user interface designers and some really cool pictures.
Office Space, Mike Judge , director, 1999; ASIN B000069HPL.
A view of life in a cubicle.
The Princess Bride, Rob Reiner , director, MGM/UA Studios, 1987; ASIN B00005LOKQ.
"We'll never make it out alive."
"Nonsense. You're just saying that because no one ever has."