I have a "Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Western Region" book. It's written by Robert Beymer and Louis Dzierzak. It includes a few pages each of history, wildlife, bear info, climate, geology and more geared towards the beginner (even if your not a beginner it might still have some good info). It also describes all the entry points and gives suggested routes. Its a good book with lots of info from people that sound like they've done it a time or two. There is also an "Eastern Region"
http://www.amazon.com/Boundary-Waters-Canoe-Area-Eastern-ebook/dp/B0060LSOGU