I've been quilting for over ten years now, and have run into only two books that were so comprehensive for referencing quilt patterns and name. One was 101 Patchwork Quilt Patterns by Ruby McKim, and The Quilter's Album of Blocks and Borders by Jinny Beyer.
I especially like Jinny Beyer's book because the blocks are separated by their basic grids, like nine-patch, four patch, etc.. The book also came with a plastic template to overlay on other patterns to determine their basic grids. I don't know if the softcover versions of this book come with that, as I've only seen the hardback version.
All of the patches are listed by by the name and date they first appeared. Most also have other, folk names listed for them, so if you're looking for a specific block, look for it in the index by the name you know it by.
I would highly recommend this book for the quilter who enjoys making traditional quilt blocks, as I do.