[A big list][link] compiled from [this Metafilter thread][mefi], entitled “What single book is the best introduction to your field (or specialization within your field) for laypeople?”
I have a feeling I will be revisiting it for many years.
[link]: http://www.septivium.com/b/2009/05/07/mefi/ “Septivium – Ask MetaFilter’s best introductory books”
[mefi]: http://ask.metafilter.com/71101/What-single-book-is-the-best-introduction-to-your-field-or-specialization-within-your-field-for-laypeople “ask.Metafilter: What single book is the best introduction to your field (or specialization within your field) for laypeople?”