I will also add a plug for Palmer's book (I have both the 2nd and 3rd editions, I liked them so much). I also have Papazian's CJOHB, but found Palmer's book to be very similar in conent -- I find Palmer is more readable and makes a much better reference book. I would suggest you just pick one or the other of these two.
Another great book that complements these two is Dave Miller's Homebrewing Guide. It is a bit more technical, especially with respect to all-grain brewing. Highly recommended.
Another great book is Ray Daniel's Designing Great Beers. I have read that one cover to cover many times now, and always manage to pick up something new that I never realized before.
I have a bunch of other books, and have borrowed almost all the major ones from friends or the library. If I had to pick just two, it would be the Palmer book and the Daniels book. Miller's book would be my third. Hope that helps a bit.