I have a whole bookshelf on SQL Server, Oracle, and the SQL language.  Of all the books on SQL Server I have, the absolute best two books I've seen (and still refer back to):

SQL Server 2000 Fast Answers for DBAs and Developers by Joseph Sack.

(I keep hoping he will do another volume for 2005; but much of this book still applies)

 

SQL Server 2000 Bible by Paul Nielsen is the 2nd most often referred to book in my SQL Server collection.  I purchased the 2005 version as well, but was disappointed in it compared to the 2000 version.

 

If I cannot find it (easily) in BOL, I still refer to these two tomes more than any other.

Regards

Randy V.

The book I always keep on the desktop is Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Performance Optimization and Tuning Handbook by Ken England and Gavin JT Powell

the same case is with me also..these are the best in the business...

The book SQL Server 2000 Fast Answers for DBAs and Developers by Joseph Sack is such a amazing book. I like the way how writer describe every single thing in an interesting manner.