"IMHO, The best "how to" book is Tedd Benson's first book: Building the Timber Frame House. Good luck on your project!"
Good call Daiku. This was my first book, as I'm sure it was for many. It was a great read, even before I'd turned my first beam. When you're done reading that one David, and you find yourself stuck in the next book, be prepared; life as you know it will never be the same...
Best of luck with your project,
Brock