I have many of the books mentioned and like them all. For a newbie who wants both tech info including assemble/disassembly, history, "born on" dates and such, I think "The M1icon Carbine Owners Guide" by Larry Ruth and Scott Duff is very useful. It has a few discrepancies from what we've learned about M1 carbines since it was printed, but a good book nonetheless. I see Duff sells it on his website for $21.95
HTH