Reddit mentions of Graphic Design Referenced: A Visual Guide to the Language, Applications, and History of Graphic Design

This is just a sampling of my Amazon list, but:

• Envisioning Information
  
• The Visual Display of Quantitative Information
  
• Semiology of Graphics: Diagrams, Networks, Maps
  
• Visualize This: The FlowingData Guide to Design, Visualization, and Statistics
  
• Thinking with Type
  
• Graphic Design, Referenced: A Visual Guide to the Language, Applications, and History of Graphic Design
  
• Naive: Modernism and Folklore in Contemporary Graphic Design
  
  Every so often I try and pick up a couple books, even just for reference sake. Sometimes its a photo book, sometimes its a reference guide, doesn't really matter so long as you can see some principles within applying to your craft.

Trade half of your brain for half of mine? I'm on the other side of the creek from you. Trying to get into development but already established into design. I feel like the main things that would come in handy are

• Color Theory
  
• Typographic Hierarchy / Typography knowledge
  
• Maybe user interface but I know development plays a role in that as well.
  
  Some great sites to check out:
  
  
• Styleboost Great site that shows uniquely designed websites, helpful for inspiration.
  
  
• PSDTUT articles regarding typography/design
  
  
• Smashing Magazine has a lot of great articles regarding design and user interface. I generally read it everyday.
  
  And if you're really getting into graphic design and enjoying it, I suggest some of these books to dive deeper.
  
  
• Graphic Design Referenced
  
  
• An Eye For Color
  
  
• The Elements of Typographic Style
  
  
• For a quick reference regarding different styles or inspirations - Stylepedia
  
  There's a ton more so feel free to ask any questions or if you want any critiques I'd be glad to help. Good Luck!

You need to learn the design part of web design then. If you can learn good basic design, then you can easily apply that to your web work.

Here are 4 really good book references that have helped me in school.

Meggs' History of Graphic Design ///
Typographic Design: Form and Communication ///
Graphic Design School ///
Graphic Design Referenced

Also, start thinking in terms of either Design or Graphic Design to learn either of those, stop trying to learn it through Web Design. Design is just so much more.