• The Best Little Beading Book by Wendy Simpson Connor
• And "oldie but goodie" this was a huge it when it first appeared in 1995.
• It's still a very comprehensive guide beading techniques with very basic info about tools, beading shapes, materials, etc. It's full of hand-drawn illustrations for everything from basic necklaces designs to wirework and beading moccasins - especially strong on seed bead techniques. 
• There are many, newer, fancier books in individual techniques, but this one remains popular, and is still the broadest beginner overview I'm aware of. 
• Paperback 7 x 8.5 inches 275 pages, 24 in color
• Sixth Printing 1999