I found >this book< to be very helpful. It covers all three types of neck joint, and explains very clearly the design implications of angling the neck back from the body like an LP, or making it parallel to the body like a Strat.

If I ever sort out just which features would combine to make the ultimate guitar, I may actually build one. As it is, I have 9 guitars, and each of them has something very pleasing to offer me. I have my favourites, but I still pick up the others once in a while to experience that special something that I can't get anywhere else.