not your mother's Siddhartha

[raybear]

{removing the journal-ness and turning to the audience, breaking down the fourth wall}

So, I'm interested in reading a book on Buddhism. I want something that's mostly philosophical and spiritual, but has good historical backing. Nothing to New Age-y or Western, but also fairly readable. Or hell, even a good translation of original texts would possibly suffice.

Anyone have recommendations? Either specific titles or specific writers? Also any books/writers to avoid would be helpful, too. I'm obviously trying to avoid the Complete Idiot's Guide and For Dummies series. I'm not THAT hard up for information, and I'm hopefully past them anyway.

{I am now resuming my regular attempt to journal while pretending that people aren't reading this. Or something.}