[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:--
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.
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.