Here's a reference that gives some of the history of algebraic k-theory. It might have something you're looking for. [http://www.math.uiuc.edu/K-theory/0343/khistory.pdf][1]. Also Rosenberg's book "Algebraic K-theory and Its Applications is good. [1]: http://www.math.uiuc.edu/K-theory/0343/khistory.pdf