I checked four books on investing from the library today. The oldest is Rich Dad, Poor Dad from 1999. I also got a stocks book from 2002.

The basics don't change much.

Dear Radio Star,Rich Dad, Poor Dad is a good timeless classic book that influences the way we think in general. It's a good series of stories, but not much in the way of real solid advice. Too many look for a short-cut to riches. Certainly, passive income is a solid strategy. Many have failed in real estate largely due to impulse and get rich quick. Your own business, however small, offers upside potential, if you manage yourself and your business well. The question first is: "What am I capable of, and willing to pursue?". For example, you may be the right person for direct sales (Online store), or home-business, or person-to-person service business. Or you may have an instinct for the stock markets, and there are many recent books dealing with stock trading strategies. Warren Buffet says: "Never invest in anything that you do not understand.". If you want to MAKE money spend a few pounds on the most recent book. Online book stores offer book reviews, so you can read about the books before you buy. First rule: Know thyself. And Rich Dad, Poor Dad will help.

I have worked in personal finance for over 15 years and I would strongly suggest that some of the best books on investing that I have read were written many years before I was in the business. I think you would be greatly shortchanging yourself if you eliminated books pre-1999 from your readings.FYI: try to steer clear of the Suze Orman, Kiyosaki, Trump vapid, worthless books. WIth the exception of rich dad poor dad the original which had an excellent message communicated in a dead simple way that even the biggest bonehead could grasp, his other books were pure filler.I would suggest a some slightly more difficult reads but much more rewarding ones, including books by Jeremy Siegel, Warren Buffet, Benjamin Graham and Nick Murray.

A book published after 2003 so you know they went thru the downturn in 2000 thru 2003.