Hmm… well this is a tall order. You can literally just buy compendiums of comic book knowledge, but if you really want to experience EVERYTHING you better have a lot of time on your hands, and the “best place” to start is pretty subjective. 

IMHO, if you went through all the original FF by Lee & Kirby, you would be off to a good start. 

Anyone else got a good rec for mooseintheheadlights here?