Lastly, if you must buy a book I would like to recommend the IBC Buddhist Book Service.    The IBC Buddhist Book Service is a nonprofit book service run by monks who are truly dedicated to practicing and teaching meditation.  All proceeds from the sale of  their books are used to support their outreach efforts and  the International Buddhist Center.  They have a very good selection of hard to find books from Asian publishers.   They are also a member of Amazon.com Associates which lets you buy books from Amazon.com through the IBC site.  If you do so,  the IBC will receive a percentage of the profits from any such sales ( which then goes to support the many free services that the IBC offers).
 
 

Recommended Reading Beginner The Heart of Buddhism, Guy Claxton, Harper Collins, London, 1992. Written by an Oxford educated psychologist, it is an easy to read, but serious discussion of the basic teachings. An excellent analysis and explanation of the three major forms of Buddhism: Theravada, Zen, and Tibetan. The best first book for Westerners to read.  Introducing Buddhism,  Chris Pauling (ISBN 0 904766 63 2).  "It's short (73pp) but very clear and un-fluffy.  Starts with Buddhist ethics, and does not shirk the question "so what's 'enlightenment' anyway?".  Nearest thing I've found to "Buddhism 101" --  review by David Cortesi. Mindfulness in Plain English, Venerable Henepola Gunaratana, Wisdom Publications, Boston and London, 1993.   A step-by-step guide to insight meditation that is practical and direct. You will refer to this book again and again in your first two or three years of meditation. The author, a native of Sri Lanka, has a Ph.D. in Philosophy from American University and has been an ordained monk since 1947.  Experience of Insight by Joseph Goldstein, Shambhala Publications:  A modern classic of practical instructions for Buddhist meditation  A Gradual Awakening by Stephen Levine, Doubleday:  A meditation and self-awareness guide for beginners  Intermediate The Heart of Buddhist Meditation, Nyanaponika Mahathera, Rider and Co., London, 1962. Eric Fromm said that the work of this scholarly German born Theravada monk might become one of the most important contributions to the spiritual renewal of the West. Written in a simple and direct style, with deep humanity and extraordinary knowledge. Includes important texts and explanations of the basic techniques.  What the Buddha Taught, Walpola Rahula, Grove Weidenfeld, New York, 1974.A lucid and faithful account of the Buddha's teachings which includes a number of the basic texts. Written by aTheravada monk who taught at the Sorbonne in Paris.  Breath by Breath by Larry Rosenberg, Shambhala Publications:  Mindfulness of Breathing explained in an easy, conversational style  Lovingkindness by Sharon Salzberg, Shambhala Publications:  A central meditation subject crucial to the balanced development of the path  Landscapes of Wonder by Bhikkhu Nyanasobano, Wisdom Publications, Boston, 1998:  A beautifully written collection of essays on seeing the Dhamma in the world around us. Advanced The Four Foundations of Mindfulness by Ven. U Silananda, Wisdom Publications, Boston, 1990. This is the basic text of and commentary on the meditative techniques which the Buddha described as the only way to peace and happiness. Written by a Theravada monk with 40 years of meditative experience. Explains in detail all the instructions of the Buddha on how to achieve mindfulness.  The Way to Peace and Happiness, compiled by Venerable Yogavacara Rahula. Provides translations of the key doctrines of the Buddha with his own insightful comments. Available from the Bhavana Society.  The Long Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Digha Nikaya Translated by Maurice Walshe, Wisdom Publications, London, 1987. The major talks given by the Buddha, covering his basic message. Essential reading when you are ready. The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: A New Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya Translated by Bhikkhu Nyanamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi, Wisdom Publications, Boston/London, 1995.  The Suttas are the primary resource to refer to.  This collection contains 152 Suttas and an invaluable introduction by Bhikkhu Bodhi.