In the revised second edition of The First Book of Investing: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Safely, financial advisor Samuel Case starts with a simple but substantial overview of today's major investment opportunities designed for readers who know absolutely nothing about the various alternatives available. He then guides the former novice through intermediate-level possibilities and higher-risk options with the aim of creating a portfolio that truly matches the investor's expertise and comfort level.
The copy I've read was from the library, must have been the 1st edition, from 1994. Quite outdated (touts General Motors as a safe bet!, doesn't include hardly any online references), it was still helpful in explaining the basic concepts and definitions in the World of Investing.