The ONE book for beginners

[jechan]

Hello,

Might I suggest "Buddhism of Compassion and Awakening" by Ven. Master Chin-Kung. It's the first book I read about Buddhism and the book that got me started.  I'd also suggest any title written by Ven. Master Chin-Kung if you'd like to learn about Pure Land Buddhism.
 

[Skull]

This may seem overwhelming to a beginner or it may be a wonderful inspiration.  It consists of nothing but excerpts from dozens of Buddha's teachings.  Direct exposure to the suttas/sutras carries a presence (in spite of translations) that shastras do not.

Numata has published several editions of this magnificent compilation since the 1980s. It is titled Buddha Dharma and is over 800 pages. This site gives details: http://www.buddhistbible.com/default.aspx

[ChangYuan]

Hoofprint of the Ox: Principles of the Chan Buddhist Path as Taught by a Modern Chinese Master, BY Ven Master Sheng Yen

[Jikan]

I apologize if these have been mentioned already, but two books that come to mind immediately are:

Gates to Buddhist Practice by Chagdud Tulku

The Compass of Zen by Seung Sahn

Both are comprehensive and accessible at the same time, and both come right from the heart.

[treederwright]

Tibetian - Four Noble Truths - Geshe Tashi Tsering
Zen - Zen Mind Beginners Mind - Shunryu Suzuki
Therevada - What the Buddha Taught - Wapola Rahula

[Loz]

As a beginner I've found that so far The Buddhist Handbook - John Snelling pretty good at covering the basics, although I've not finished it yet. 

[daimond]

well, i forgot the name but already translate in indonesia right now the book are in my older sister hand/keep inside the book it's history of  Bhodisatva  Gautama become Buddha from begining born until parinibbana.