**Quick First Read**

*[What the Buddha Taught][1] by Walpola Rahula* <sup>*(Recommended)*</sup>  
*[Good Question, Good Answer][2] by S. Dhammika* 

**Introductions to the Early Texts**

*[In the Buddha's Words][3] by Bhikkhu Bodhi*  
*[The Life of the Buddha][4] by Ñāṇamoli Bhikkhu* <sup>*(Recommended)*</sup>  
*[Buddha-Dhamma for University Students][5] by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu*  

**Comprehensive Introductions to All Traditions**

*[The Foundations of Buddhism][6] by Rupert Gethin*  
*[The Buddhist Religion: A Historical Introduction][7] by Richard H. Robinson*  
*[An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices][8] by Peter Harvey*


  [1]: http://www.ahandfulofleaves.org/documents/What%20the%20Buddha%20Taught_Rahula.pdf
  [2]: http://www.goodquestiongoodanswer.net/
  [3]: http://www.wisdompubs.org/book/buddha%E2%80%99s-words
  [4]: http://store.pariyatti.org/Life-of-the-Buddha-The--PDF-eBook_p_1412.html
  [5]: http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/bd_students.pdf
  [6]: http://www.ahandfulofleaves.org/documents/The%20Foundations%20of%20Buddhism_Gethin_1998.pdf
  [7]: http://www.ahandfulofleaves.org/documents/The%20Buddhist%20Religion%20A%20Historical%20Introduction_%20Robinson.pdf
  [8]: http://bookzz.org/dl/2064435/a430ef