Recommended Books:

For those interested, this is a list of suggestions for basic reading material. The list isn't intended to be comprehensive, but to provide general background information. Unless otherwise noted, these books are available from Amazon. There is also a large collection of articles and interviews available online at the Aikido Journal website.

Many of these books (as well as many others) can be borrowed for free through the Hawaii Public Library system, which supports an online searchable catalog. You can submit online requests to have books delivered to the branch nearest you.

Technical:

Best Aikido: The Fundamentals
Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Moriteru Ueshiba, John Stevens (Translator)
ISBN: 4770027621

The latest standard text on basic technique from Aikikai hombu.

The Aikido Master Course: Best Aikido 2
Moriteru Ueshiba
ISBN: 477002763X

The sequel to the above text, focusing on more advanced technique.

Takemusu Aikido Special Edition
Morihiro Saito
*Available from Aikido Journal

A reprinting of Morihei Ueshiba's classic 1938 technical manual "Budo" with additional commentary by Morihiro Saito.

The Spirit of Aikido
Kisshomaru Ueshiba
ISBN: 0870118501

Kisshomaru Ueshiba's explanation of his father's philosophy in more generally understandable language.

The Art Of Aikido: Principles And Essential Techniques
Kisshomaru Ueshiba
ISBN: 4770029454

The English translation of "Aikido Shintai", containing articles on Aikido by Kisshomaru and Morihei Ueshiba as well as a section of technical photos.

Aikido and the Harmony of Nature
Mitsugi Saotome
ISBN: 0877738556

An explanation of the philosophy of Aikido by Mitsugi Saotome, a long time student of Morihei and Kisshomaru Ueshiba.

Enlightenment Through Aikido
Kanshu Sunadomari
ISBN: 1556434871

A collection of essays on the philosophy of Aikido by Manseikan Aikido founder Kanshu Sunadomari.

The Spiritual Foundations of Aikido
William Gleason
ISBN: 0892815086

An examination of the spiritual underpinnings of Morihei Ueshiba's Aikido philosophy.

Dueling with O-sensei
Ellis Amdur
*Available from Edgework

Ellis Amdur's examination of Morihei Ueshiba, the man and the myth.

Aikido Masters
Stanley Pranin, editor
*Available from Aikido Journal

A series of interviews with prominent students of Morihei Ueshiba.

Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu: Conversations with Daito-ryu Masters
Stanley Pranin, editor
*Available from Aikido Journal

A series of interviews with prominent figures from the world of Daito-ryu, the primary technical source for Aikido.

The Great Onisaburo Deguchi
Stanley Pranin, editor
*Available from Aikido Journal

An examination of the life of Onisaburo Deguchi, the spiritual instructor of Morihei Ueshiba.

Book of Five Rings : The Classic Guide to Strategy
Miyamoto Musashi
ISBN: 0517415283

The classic Victor Harris translation of Miyamoto Musashi's guide to military strategy.

Musashi
Eiji Yoshikawa, Charles S. Terry (Translator)
ISBN: 4770019572

Eiji Yoshikawa's novelization of the life of Miyamoto Musashi. Fictional, but a lot of fun.

The Unfettered Mind: Writings from a Zen Master to a Master Swordsman
Takuan Soho, William Scott Wilson (Translator)
ISBN: 4770029470

A series of letters from the famous Zen priest Takuan Soho to Yagyu Munenori on the nature of swordsmanship and budo.

The Art of War, Special Edition
Sun Tzu, Lionel Giles (Translator)
ISBN: 0976072696

The classic Chinese guide to military strategy.

Old School: Essays on Japanese Martial Traditions
Ellis Amdur
*Available from Edgework

Ellis Amdur's survey of the martial traditions of Japan.