Dabble in the stock market, good starter guide?

[Igurisu]

I fancy having a play on the market, more as a hobby to be honest, just to see how I can do. My thought is to start with a fixed amount of £1k for example and see what I can do with it over 1 year. Does anybody have any reccomended reading material, books, mags or websites that are fairly neutral (not full of rampers)? Other things that cross my mind are the cost to trade, ie, the fee for buying and selling that needs to be covered and if £1k is a realistic starting amount. By that I mean does it restrict the things or stocks I could invest in?

I'm not looking to get rich quick or for a retirement investment strategy so no sales pitches please