Pattern books & more pattern books!

Every year I start out thinking THIS will be the year I learn how to draw a flat pattern so I can make myself a bunch of slopers and start collecting pattern pieces fitted perfectly to me until I have a library of collars, sleeves, bodices, etc. I have a dream that I could  just decide I want a princess seam tunic w/ a cowl neck and kimono sleeves and go get the pattern pieces and get going. Now I know that it's never going to be that easy, but when my friends fantasize about the perfect house that is what I am dreaming of. Back to my topic: thanks to this reoccuring new years resolution my house was filled with pattern books next to some of my other new years resolution equipment: treadmills, juicers and gym membership cards. A recent move and a subsequent lost moving box gave me a chance to start a new: I have lost all my pattern books. They were predominently Swedish or German, and I know very little about the most popular books on pattern drafting on amazon.com. (I am living in the US mow). Please help! Which is your go to book? I am not attempting to design as such, just be able to correctly transfer the fitting alterations I make when I sew back to a pattern, add ease to a bodice and fitting tips, moving darts etc. I have been to the local library, but they don't have a great selection. Also there are some newer books on amazon, example is lee hollahan & Lucia mors books, w/ no reviews.. Please advise, would be greatly appreciated!