Looking for must-read programming reference material

Question

I am relatively new to programming and would like a reading list of must-read programming references. I know several languages, but I am not looking for materials about any particular language; instead, I would like to read up on more fundamental things such as programming concepts, programming algorithms, programming paradigms,  computer architectures, programming style, etc. What are the classic, must-read books and articles that I should begin reading? Thank you for your suggestions.

Answer 1

I've never used assembly for a 64-bit system, but I'm sure most of the same concepts apply.  In fact I'm pretty sure any change is analogous to the change from 16 to 32 which wasn't that drastic.
With assembly language, learning the core concepts is the biggest step, the difference between 16 and 32 bit wasn't like learning a new language, rather it was just having more and bigger registers.  I don't do any actual programming in assembly - I dabbled a bit for fun, but I dont 'use' it.  But the concepts I learned through assembly have helped me in every other programming language.  Given that, I'm sure a book on 32-bit assembly would be useful for a 64-bit system.
Consider too that assembly is a bit of a dying art.  Pair that with the fact that 64-bit systems are relatively new, and there won't be many people who can write a quality book about their lifetime of experience with 64-bit assembly.
Lastly, (in this very disorganized listing of barely related points), 32-bit to 64-bit is also a trivial change compared to the various instruction sets that have been used.  If/when you understand the similarities and differences between the various assembly languages and instruction sets, is when you really start using the strengths of your particular architecture.  (I'm tempted to make a Matrix reference "There is no spoon").  My favorite assembly languages, just for the fun of it, are One-Instruction-Set systems.  When I realized that one single instruction used repeatedly can create the diversity of programs we use ... I was in geek heaven.  I put that day on par with learning about hardware-software interchangability, and the fact that our modern computers are made up of a vast series of only one type of logic gate ... and the day I learned some lamba calculus ... (end geekgasm)
Anyhow, learning to 'think' in assembly language can help all your programming (IMHO) regardless of whether you ever speak to your computer in that language.  So, yes, I'd say the 32-bit book would be worth reading even if your current computer is 64.