Reddit reviews Traveller Core Rulebook

I recommend Traveller. Everything you want in one book. All of its supplements just add more variety, but the basics for anything and everything are in this core book.

I suggest Traveler http://www.amazon.com/Traveller-Core-Rulebook-Gareth-Hanrahan/dp/190610333X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325250640&sr=8-1 It gives you resources to make your own setting, the combat and skills rules are pretty simple, and the character creation method is pretty fun. As an example to the character creation process you can listen to these guy's (no video available sadly) http://www.generationd20.com/roleplaying/

Mongoose Traveller core rulebook is available at your FNGS. Most of the ones by me have it in stock. Also on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Traveller-Core-Rulebook-Gareth-Hanrahan/dp/190610333X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369788115&sr=8-1&keywords=traveller&tag=r601000000-20

I ran a game of this: http://www.amazon.com/Traveller-Core-Rulebook-Gareth-Hanrahan/dp/190610333X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368208549&sr=8-1&keywords=traveler+rpg

with zero clue of anything creepybob is talking about. I just thought it looked cool, and the rules were quite straightforward. My campaign didn't get anywhere because of unrelated issues; the system itself is fine. I didn't feel compelled to find any more story or background than what is provided in that book, so don't feel too pressured to buy a bunch of side-books. Though of course do so if it's fun for you!