1.) Letters to a Young Poet, by Rainer Maria Rilke
Hands-down best treatment of the subject. Masterful and highly inspirational. Rilke remains one of the most original voices of the modern era. A must-read for anyone involved in a creative pursuit.
2.) Memories Dreams Reflections, by C.G. Jung
Jung's autobiography. His life was one of creative discovery: of himself, the world around him, and of many of the key concepts in modern psychology. The source of much of his creative inspiration grew from his own relationship with the unconscious. Read especially the last chapters, Late Thoughts and Retrospect, for an understanding of how his life was driven by the creative impulse.
3.) Man and His Symbols, by C.G. Jung
Jung's last work, written for the lay reader. This is an invaluable introduction to the language of metaphor and symbolism found in dreams and works of art.
4.) The Courage to Create, by Rollo May
A classic work on creativity. Rollo May's thought extends well beyond the boundaries of viewing creativity as a function of neurosis or a compensatory act. He believes that the impulse to create is a reflection of our potential wholeness and one of humankind's most distinguishing and important characteristics. It remains one of the most timely and comprehensive books on the topic.
5.) The Creative Process, edited by Brewster Ghiselin
An edited anthology of writings on creativity from a wide variety of artists, scientists, musicians, and writers. A hidden gem. First published in 1952. Recently re-issued by University of California Press.
6.) Writing Down the Bones, by Natalie Goldberg
One of the few contemporary books on the topic to rival the classics. Her scope is broad, and her understanding is substantial, derived from her own experiences as a writer. Very enjoyable and well-written. Both wise and humorous.
7.) The Teachings of don Juan, by Carlos Castaneda
We cannot leave out one the greatest teachers of our generation: don Juan Mateus. The passages on finding a "path with heart" and ovecoming the "four natural enemies of becoming a man of knowledge" closely parallel the stages of the creative process.
8.) Mount Analogue, by Rene Daumal
"A Novel of Symbolically Authentic Non-Euclidean Adventures in Mountain Climbing." Enough said. Read it. You will not be disappointed. Daumal and Rilke were perhaps two of the greatest guides on the creative process of the past Century.
9.) Acting: The First Six Lessons, by Richard Boleslavsky
Though written for actors, this little book well describes the discipline of creativity through six discrete lessons.
10.) Power Of Myth, by Joseph Campbell
Joseph Campbell has much to say about the artist as the myth-maker of our times. He views creativity as a necessary ingredient of any society: that can reveal a culture to itself, that can discover the archetypal meaning embedded in everyday life, and that can help both the individual and society extend into the realm of the universal.