Do you want to USE the internet, or find out how it all fits together "under the covers"?
This may define what book or books you need.
The internet is just one giant network, so you may find a book about networking also covers the internet. For example you mention "hub" above, but that is used on a computer network and is not specific to the internet (for example you could have two computers connected via a hub but they dont have to be connected to the internet).
Note the internet runs on a protocol called "tcp/ip" so any book that discusses that in relation to the internet will be useful.
I have had a look at the "Internet for dummies" that bimbo mentions above but that is more about USING the internet.
But this book below, Networking all-in-one for Dummies, covers many networking topics, but has a chapter on "tcp/ip and the internet". It does cover a broad set of subjects (some you may not need), but does have an introduction to Networks, and an overview of standards, hardware, software etc.
And for £14 you cant really complain
http://www.amazon.co....qid=1302680588&sr=8-1