Recommended reading for learning how to build my own amplifiers?

[agedhorse]

IMO, starting with an educational kit is best. That way you get to learn as you go along. I think it's important to understand at least the basics of how electricity works, and how basic amplification works, then progress. By starting with a good, complete kit, at least you have a decent chance of ending up with something basicly useful.

Watching assembly videos can also be helpful in developing the necessary skills.

Also, I would be remiss without emphesizing the need to understand enough to work safely around electricity. There is nothing inherently cool about electrocution.