The books in this category are all great "gallery" books. By that I mean that each of them has a strong visual appeal--lots of photos of lots of trucks. They do contain historical facts and interesting stories, but don't expect them to give you the nitty-gritty details for a complete restoration. That's not their purpose. Good to pull out even on days when you don't feel like reading.
1. The American Pickup Truck
Author Mike Mueller gives us an up-close look at American pickup trucks, from the Model T and other classics to vehicles popular today. He's compiled an excellent set of photos--many from archives most of us have never seen. Everyday trucks, rare models, lowriders, monsters--there's a little bit of everything here. An excellent book for anyone who wants details about vintage and newer pickups.
2. Ford Pickup Color History
This book is a good choice for anyone who wants a pictorial history of Ford trucks. It's not just photos though, the book does include details that will help you learn the differences between specific models and different model years. Lots of great restoration photos. By Tom Brownell with contributions by Mike Mueller.
3. Chevrolet Pickup Color History
Try this if you're looking for an excellent color pictorial of Chevy trucks. It illustrates a great number of Chevy and GMC trucks from the teens to early 90's, focusing mostly on the earlier pickups. Solid general information about each truck featured. By Tom Brownell and Mike Mueller.4. Pickup Trucks: A History of the Great American Vehicle
I know I said these were gallery books, but this one falls into multiple categories. Yes, it has excellent photo galleries, but it's also an in-depth text of pickup truck facts and history. There are so many details packed into this text that I can't begin to explain them in the short space I'm allowed here. It's a "must have" for anyone seriously into pickup trucks. By Justin Lukach.5. The Hemmings Book of Pickup Trucks
The Hemmings Book of Pickup Trucks covers many classic and modern working class, light-duty pickup trucks, including Chevy, Ford, GMC, Studebaker, Dodge, Hudson and others. You'll find drive reports, comparisons, specs and illustrations. Most of the photos are in black and white, but there's an eight-page color gallery. It's a good blend of photos and facts.