I think I've read them all, stuffy to fluffy!
The one I keep here at my desk is
The complete illustrated guide to Runes by Nigel Pennick
It falls mid-range between stuffy and fluffy
Lots of pictures of the ancient items with runic script on them
Good coverage of the various groups of runes.
The only thing that made my eyes roll was his suggestion of a cloth and pillow set up for doing your casting. But time has moved on and today looking at the picture it seems an excellent idea considering his rune stones are quite large, and it is basically a I'm going to do yoga now set up
Large book, many photos, I got it used for under 5 bucks. a bargain any way you look at it.
My second favorite is by Cassandra Eason
http://www.amazon.com/Divination-Todays-Woman-Cassandra-Eason/dp/0572018134
I made my spread cloth and do my throws based on her design.
Like Nigel, she have books on everything which usually makes me think industry as opposed to knowledge, but everyone has to make a living don't they?
