Other than the book Kiya mentioned, there is nothing crucial before the first BF key in act 1, and even then the book isn't required.
The gibberish are actually Raanaar ruins. There are 3 books located throughout the game which will 'teach' you this language, and translate these manuscripts for you. The ruins are derivations of standard letters, so it is also possible (though not necessary) to figure them out manually.
