Best Robotics Books

[Adam Y.]

Particularly, I'm interested in entry-level to mid-level books on the topics of mechanics and electronics. (More mid-level I suppose. Something more than just the basics.)

Mechanics:
Robot Mechanisms and Mechanical Devices Illustrated- A very nice book with loads of pictures. Unfortunately some of the pictures are rather cryptic and the text sometimes doesn't help explain what is going on. Besides that it's an excellent book that shows cool chasiss designs, robot arms, and gearboxes. This book was written by a employee of irobot so this guy knows what he is doing. It is one of the best books I have related to robotics.
Mechanisms and Mechanical Devices Sourcebook-I haven't had much time to look at this book but it does go into more detail about any mechanical device ever created besides robotics. I actually don't own a copy of the book though because the drawback is it's cost. Robot Mechanisms and Mechanical Devices Illustrated actually draws about some of the information presented in this book. If you have the money buy this book too.
Electronics:
Practical Electronics for Inventors-A good book that describes the basics of electricity using analogies whenever the author could. He systematically describes each and every electronics theory that you need to know to build projects. It's quite interesting because the book goes into detail about how mosfets, transitors, ic, and other devices work. It's a good start for someone who has no idea what some of these devices are.