W1Fb's Qrp Notebook by Doug Demaw (1991, Paperback)

Author shared a whole life of radio experience in easy language. Graphics are very simple (like typewriter), not sophisticated, but fortunately very readable and with good size (you will not need a magnifier lens). Excellent background can be achieved by whole reading and understanding of contents, what requires previous electronics knowledge (not for the absolute beginner). Almost twenty years later, most contents remain up to date. Some component sources may have become obsolete or unavailable, however many design concepts remain useful. Only drawback can be found on several references showing that this book can only be considered complete with addition of its companion book "W1FB Design Notebook" which unfortunately is almost impossible to get. Hopefully one day we may have those two books joined together, and reprinted as one. Final words: worth every cent. Recommended.