The most renowned, complete course in astrology ever to appear, the Alan Leo Astrologer's Library is the undisputed source for self-instruction in astrology. Here is the master astrologer's easy to follow method for chart delineation and interpretation--a must for the beginner and an essential reference for the advanced astrologer.
Alan Leo, born William Frederick Allan, was a prominent British astrologer, author, publisher and theosophist, and is considered by many to be the father of modern astrology.
The book opens by stating that it will not explain the basics of Astrology. That's great for people like me, but if you're looking for a first book, definitely get something else alongside this one. That being said, this is a very easy to use book that will essentially give you a rather in-depth reading just by looking for your placements. You put your chart in, looking for the ingredients (moon in the first house, sun in libra, jupiter in the seventh, etc.) and you will end up with what almost feels like a reading...and for only $15-30!
Definitely an enjoyable, beginner-friendly text. If you're very new to Astrology, make sure to pick up another book or check out youtube videos to teach you the basics first though, because as I said, this text skips all of that and dives right into chart delineation.
The pinnacle of new ageism and how it spread to astrology; that is not a good thing. I only recommend reading out of intrigue for studying when a lot of the "pop astrology" of today, came to be.