Probably everyone that didn't grow up in a bar has that book of cocktail recipes that they referenced when first starting out. For me it was Gary Regan's Bartender's Bible. I see that he died recently. Apparently the cause was tongue cancer, an unfortunate and ironic twist for someone dedicated to the palate. I learned that Bartender's Bible was his first book, which is pretty impressive given how many recipes it contains. I liked it for the range, both classics and "uncool" drinks that no cocktilian would be caught dead ordering but are nonetheless important to know how to make. What could be less hospitable than hearing from your bartender, "I only make good drinks". The book also has a helpful section on how to set up a bar and recommendations for what spirits to start with. As a young college student putting together a bar with and for friends, it was invaluable. Plus the spiral binding would lay flat on the bar so you had both hands free.
He also branded some bitters that I have in rotation. I'll make something out of Bartender's Bible that uses them tonight in his honor.