"A random walk down Wall Street" by Burton Malkiel is the classic layman's introduction to investing.
I would also recommend "Fooled by Randomness" for the introduction of the essential idea that most returns are not "normally distributed" - most profit and loss happens via wild swings, and most successful people are lucky rather than good.
Finally, for a more technical but very entertaining read: "Trading and Exhanges" by Larry Harris. eg in this book I learnt about "the Brazilian straddle" options position: a naked short option position hedged with a one way ticket to Brazil. (in case the bet goes against you) ;)
I would also recommend "Fooled by Randomness" for the introduction of the essential idea that most returns are not "normally distributed" - most profit and loss happens via wild swings, and most successful people are lucky rather than good.
Finally, for a more technical but very entertaining read: "Trading and Exhanges" by Larry Harris. eg in this book I learnt about "the Brazilian straddle" options position: a naked short option position hedged with a one way ticket to Brazil. (in case the bet goes against you) ;)