Ian,
This is a my two cents response so This is not pointed directly at you.
My opinion is we've all gotten lazy and are depending on technology way too much. Granted, GPS is almost the only way to navigate some of the most primeaval forests like around Seatle or in Michigan where the canopy prevents you from finding many landmarks. But I think every outdoorsman should learn map and compass.

It's my opinion that map and compass are one of the most important skills you can posess. A gps is most effective with USGS topo maps anyway, and what if in a totally hypothetical stuation the GPS system goes down?

I learned in the miltary, so I don't know the value of the books available but, I'd also get a book on map and compass, a GOOD compass, and maps of your area. Practice practice practice.