You dont need to know so much for a functional SSTC, but I like your mindset. In fact, if more people with your mindset entered higher eductation I believe the world would be a different place.
This book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0471226939/ref=sib_rdr_dp
is highly regarded in academia as it contains ample theory on topologies and semiconductor devices. But my god that is expensive. Maybe you should review it in a bookshop before buying it.
This book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Switching-Power-Supply-Design-3rd/dp/0071482725/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261473687&sr=1-2
Is a good blend of theory and practical application hints for SMPS. However it doesn't go into as much depth in transformer design as this book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Switchmode-Handbook-McGraw-Hill-Eletronics-Handbooks/dp/0070067198/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261473687&sr=1-1
Maybe a book on SSTCs will bring all this knowledge together. This book will help you play
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For EMI, this is one of the best, good layout:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0824789245/ref=sib_rdr_dp
But this is cheaper and maybe you dont need all of the knowledge in the book above.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0750672331/ref=sib_rdr_dp
For general electronics I dont think there is a single book that even scratches the surface of the science. There are some good books that focus on circuit analysis and a few others on analogue electronics. I have found myself learning basic principles from different sources and then I find specific books relevant to each project. Maybe the Art of Electronics is worth reviewing.