Sloane was my favorite author when I was first learning about bikes. I think I have maybe 4 editions of that book. He is an out spoken, opinionated grouch, but the best tutor I ever had. He showed me how to build my first wheel, and over haul my first 3 speed.
For people interested in older bikes, they can't do much better than Sloan. Every once in awhile his early books show up in used bookstores at a reasonable price.