<>Written by the creators of MySQL and edited by one of the most highly respected MySQL authors, the MySQL Administrator's Guide and Language Reference is the official guide to installing MySQL, to setting up and administering MySQL databases, and to storing and retrieving data in these databases. This new edition combines into one book the MySQL Language Reference (on CD) with the practical information of the MySQL Administrator's Guide book.
This is actually the administration parts of the free MySQL 5.x PDF manual -- keep a local copy handy. As for MySQL knowledge, it contains it all; well-written, but quite dense. Especially good for administration (setup, logs, replication, optimization). Available online at mysql.com. [Read cover-to-cover, frequently referenced]