I found this list of publications by a well renown Wood Technology professor. Most of it is way too scientific to get any practical information out of the publications. But if you scroll all the way to the bottom (182), there is a very good publication on furniture joint strength and construction method strength. It is copyrighted materials so view it for your own use only. Carl A. Eckelman - Purdue University
Some great reference stuff in there... although a lot of it does make you feel like you're back in engineering classes (actual photos of me learning engineering ==> :BangHead: and :eusa_doh
While this isn't light reading, I think it is worth bookmarking the URL and going back there from time to time.