Two factors to consider: grain and moisture change.  Best quarter sawn
lumber is the most stable.  Old growth trees, not at the edge of the forest
(not twisting grain during growth, protected from the effects of wind etc)
are most prized for stability.  But even ideal lumber will distort if
moisture is introduced or removed asymetrically. As far as drying is
concerned, the most important thing is to provide conditions that permit
good air circulation on all sides simultaneously.  If one side dries much
faster than the other for example, there will be internal stresses that
create distortions/cracks/splits even in ideal lumber.  Even, slow drying,
out of direct sun, is best, regardless of lumber quality.
   Highly figured woods are terrible in solid form (lots of internal
stresses), which is why veneers glued to a stable substrate happened (even
when figured wood was relatively plentiful).
  In finished goods, the finish helps stabilize moisture transfer, yadda
yadda
Cheers from Waterloo
Claudio