This one is almost forgotten about and I feel its one of the best out there.
Classic baseball cards: The golden years, 1886-1956
This is pretty cut and dry-- not much as far as literature
but it does contain a photo of every card from nearly every major set from 1886-1956 (contains both Bowman and the early years of Topps as well as all the major tobacoo/gum cards of the early 20th century and late 19th century)
There is also a similar book out on just Topps cards and cards from the 1950's. Long out of print but worth I think. I got this when it first came out (it was around $75 when it was issued)
I remember seeing them cut out and sold off for $15 in the late 1980's/early 90's I wish I had picked up a couple. Not so much for going up in value just to give away.
http://www.amazon.com/Classic-baseba...=2P01BK8IU6WJA