Prof. Edward Feser provides an excellent introduction to this branch of philosophy. Not surprisingly, Prof. Feser starts with the contemporary genesis of the issue in the writings of Descartes and proceeds to the various attempts by materialists to reduce or explain mental events by purely physical processes.

This book is introductory in nature and doesn't presuppose any knowledge of philosophy. Given its broad scope, it could even be used as an introductory work in philosophy. Prof. Feser hits some of the basics of epistemology such as realism and idealism. He also incorporates a fair amount of metaphysics as well, discussing personal identity and the question of universals.