This book is a good introduction for the real beer novice, although it contains some very interesting information for beer connoisseur as well. More of a reading book than a reference.

Another great book by beer author Michael Jackson. This book list 500 beers and provides good information on each one. As many of the beers are less well known and hard to find, it may be a bit obscure for the beer neophyte, but it's a good bathroom book with its one page per beer format. (also available in paperback)

A great book on pairing food with beer from the meister of the Brooklyn Brewery. Best for someone with a real appreciation of food as well as beer, or perhaps a wine snob who delights in choosing what wines to pair with dinner.

For those who doubt that learning about beer can be as complex - or pretentious - as learning about wine. This book is a serious work of historical scholarship, meaning it may be a bit dry for most readers.