Can anyone recommend me some good design books and books for working with illustrator etc?

The above mentioned is a great book but will not help you in learning how to use Illustrator per se. It WILL help you learn the basic foundations of type and will make you a better typographer for sure. It will teach you what to look for when setting type in any software program and I agree with Antonio that is an essential library pick.

If you want to learn more about how to DRAW in Illustrator I would highly recommend this book by Von Glitschka: Vector Basic Training http://www.amazon.com/Vector-Basic-Training-Systematic-Precision/dp/0321749596

As for other Illustrator functions and features I really have used the Lynda.com video library my go-to for learning old and new techniques in any of Adobe's products. I feel I learn better and faster with these videos in comparison to books.

http://www.lynda.com/Illustrator-training-tutorials/227-0.html

One of my favorite teachers in there is Deke McClelland: http://www.lynda.com/Illustrator-training-tutorials/227-0.html?author=deke-mcclelland_98

Finally there is always Adobe.tv which I ave found to be helpful. http://tv.adobe.com/

For books on design it is best to research the greats: • Paul Rand • Jan Tschichold • Josef Müller-Brockmann • Wim Crouwel • Erik Spiekermann • David Carson • Sagmeister and Walsh

This list can be exhaustive and I cant think of more right now but start by reading about the 60s and go from there.

http://www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design/names-designers-should-know-6133211

Keep reading and following the ones that inspire you. The good ones will keep bubbling to the top of your list. I am from an illustration background so I look up to older artists as well like Michelangelo, da Vinci, Raphael, and even comic book artists — whatever inspires you.

Francesco //