The Newspaper Designer's Handbook
I can't say enough good things about this book. It lays out the problems every designer faces, and it suggests a variety of solutions. It's expensive but worth it: Every newspaper designer, especially the beginners, should study this book.
The Best of Newspaper Design, 20th Edition
This is the 1999 edition of the Society for News Design's yearbook. Becoming a designer is like learning to play tennis: The best way to get good is to imitate the best. That's why you need this book.
The PC Is Not a Typewriter: A Style Manual for Creating
Professional-Level Type on Your Personal Computer
Robin Williams (no, not that Robin Williams) presents an entertaining introduction to the wonderful world of typography. One space after periods, please!
The Non-Designer's Design Book :
Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice
Robin Williams is back, and this time she (yes, she) goes beyond the non-typewriter nature of your personal computer to teach you a little about design basics.