I found this article on O.co (a.k.a. Overstock.com).  I like to find each and every way to justify my vast collection of cooking books.  I have two cooking passions, no make that three four.
1.  Collecting   (That sounds better than buying.) 
2.  Reading
3.  Cooking
4.  Eating
Each equally pleasurable.

Best Reasons to Own Cooking Books

With the rise of cooking culture on the Internet, people seem to be forgetting why cooking books  are so valuable. While it's convenient to be able to look up recipes online, cooking books are still the choice of serious chefs and bakers everywhere. Cooking books provide an enormous amount of irreplaceable benefits in the kitchen. If you're considering purchasing one, look at the article below to learn the best reasons to own cooking books.

Owning Cooking Books:

1. Have them where you want them: One of the biggest conveniences of cookbooks is that they can be placed near your cooking area and remain there. When it comes time to get cooking, you won't have to run back and forth to look for recipes or measurements. Having a cooking book on hand while you mix and measure ingredients will help you increase the quality of the food you prepare, and it will also help decrease stress in the kitchen.
   
2. Make your mark: Cooking books are terrific because they allow you to mark them up. Try a recipe and think something could be added next time? Write yourself a reminder in the margin. Find that a recipe doesn't work well at your altitude? Alter the instructions with a pen to make sure you get it right on your second try.
   
3. An issue of trust: With cooking books, it's possible to find recipes from chefs you trust. Instead of having to rely on undependable sources, you can look for volumes of recipes and cooking tips from renowned experts in the field. From celebrity chefs to classic cooks, it's easy to find cookbooks from trusted names.
   
4. Getting to know you: Another worthwhile element of cooking books is the chance you have to get to know them. As time passes and you try more and more recipes from your cooking book, you'll be able to get a feel for how the book works for your style of cooking and you'll be able to use the knowledge to improve the recipes to your liking.
   

http://www.overstock.com/guides/best-reasons-to-own-cooking-books 

 

 

Here is my latest favorite. Our Best Bites.  Great recipes. Great pictures. Great taste.