Clarke, Donald (ed.),
The Encyclopedia of How It Works, From Abacus to Zoom Lens
, New York: A. and W. Publishers, Inc., 1977.
The best “how-it-works” book for students I could find. Good text, illustrations and explanations.
Mueller, Conrad G. and Rudolph, Mae,
Light and Vision
, New York: Time-Life Books, 1975.
Excellent visual material for both students and teacher.
Wenyon, Michael,
Understanding Holography
, New York: Arco Publishing Co., 1985.
Simple book, not too technical. Mostly about applications of lasers.