[Sidenote:  One of ... [plural] that who, or which ... [singular or plural.]]

     The pale realms of shade, where each shall take
     His chamber in the silent halls of death. 
     —­BRYANT.

Both constructions are frequently found, the reason being a difference of opinion as to the antecedent.  Some consider it to be one [book] of the finest books, with one as the principal word, the true antecedent; others regard books as the antecedent, and write the verb in the plural.  The latter is rather more frequent, but the former has good authority.

The following quotations show both sides:—­

[Sidenote:  Plural.]

     He was one of the very few commanders who appear to have shown
     equal skill in directing a campaign, in winning a battle, and in
     improving a victory.—­LECKY.

     He was one of the most distinguished scientists who have ever
     lived.—­J.T.MORSE, Jr., Franklin.

     It is one of those periods which shine with an unnatural and
     delusive splendor.—­MACAULAY.

     A very little encouragement brought back one of those overflows
     which make one more ashamed, etc.—­HOLMES.

     I am one of those who believe that the real will never find an
     irremovable basis till it rests on the ideal.—­LOWELL.

     French literature of the eighteenth century, one of the most
     powerful agencies that have ever existed.—­M.  ARNOLD.

     What man’s life is not overtaken by one or more of those
     tornadoes that send us out of our course?—­THACKERAY.

     He is one of those that deserve very well.—­ADDISON.

[Sidenote:  Singular.]

     The fiery youth ... struck down one of those who was pressing
     hardest.—­SCOTT.

     He appeared to me one of the noblest creatures that ever was,
     when he derided the shams of society.—­HOWELLS.

     A rare Roundabout performance,—­one of the very best that has
     ever appeared in this series.—­THACKERAY.

     Valancourt was the hero of one of the most famous romances which
     ever was published in this country.—­Id.

     It is one of the errors which has been diligently propagated by
     designing writers.—­IRVING.

     “I am going to breakfast with one of these fellows who is at
     the Piazza Hotel.”—­DICKENS.

     The “Economy of the Animal Kingdom” is one of those books which
     is an honor to the human race.—­EMERSON.

     Tom Puzzle is one of the most eminent immethodical disputants of
     any that has fallen under my observation.—­ADDISON.

     The richly canopied monument of one of the most earnest souls
     that ever gave itself to the arts.—­RUSKIN.