In terms of a dry 960 page reference book, with references to studies, Code Complete is good and I refer to it and tell others to refer to it. Uncle Bob's Clea

In terms of a dry 960 page reference book, with references to studies, Code Complete is good and I refer to it and tell others to refer to it. Uncle Bob's Clean Code covers the same ground, but the book has a narrative drive, gives examples, and is stylistically well written (although people may or may not agree with certain ideas). I think both books are good but I usually recommend people read Clean Code first. It is an easier read, and it is also half the size so they're more likely to finish it.