Book for an absolute beginner

If you are completely new to trading & investing, try this book http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Stocks-Michael-Sincere/dp/0071409130/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196578168&sr=8-1

Should take only couple of hours to read but you will be introduced to basic concepts and various trading methods.