What are the best books on running?

Five books that come to my mind are

1. Once a runner
2. The loneliness of a long distance runner
3. Running with the buffaloes
4. A Cold clear day
5. The Perfect Mile

Wow. Simple question enough; until I think about it (too much). Did you mean instructional books on how to run, or biographical books about a runner, or autobiographical books by a runner, or fictional books about running, etc?
From your list I loved Once a runner as my LibraryThing name could imply, but I also see it could have its limitations to those who may not be able to associate with his intensity.
I really liked A Cold clear day and am glad to see it on your list. I don't think many people have ever heard of Buddy Edelen or read his book. It is one of my favorites too.
It is hard for me to pick favorites, but here are five (besides Once a runner and A Cold clear day that I have really enjoyed reading.

1. Running round the world
2. The legend of lovelock
3. Gil Dodds
4. Slaying the dragon by Michael Johnson
5. Staying the course

Haruki Murakami's What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is outstanding.

Have revitalised this thread as just read a running book! It was interesting, it would have to join my top 5 books on running as it's only the third I've read...!! Has anyone else read it / heard of / tried "Chi Running"?

Danny Dreyer - Chi Running - my review here

http://lyzzybee.livejournal.com/380704.html

as I don't own the book so my review won't appear on here

And Chi Running does seem to work - I just did 5 miles in 54:40 which beats my previous PB in race conditions of 56 min! I only put some of it into practice too! Whee!!