python

Learning Python (Animal Guide)
$54.99
It's a great book. I did buy a slightly outdated version, which was why it was under $6 (including shipping), but the basics are there.

Beginner programmers: This book is perfect. Though it doesn't have all the humor of a "For Dummies" book, it's not dry reading (IMHO).

Expert programmers: Don't buy this book for yourself; it's a little long-winded. You'll learn the language, but you'll also spend too much time reading about the concepts of programming...

Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science
$40.00
This is a great intro book for those looking for a gentle introduction to programing. That said it claims to be an introduction to computer science, which it is not. It offers almost no coverage of theoretical computing issues that are the hallmark of the classic intro CS books.

In someways the distinction between intro CS and programing is unfair; however, it does track with the reality of freshman intro CS at all the universities I've known. Students in intro CS already know how to program. They may not know about von Neumann or Turning, their code is ugly, and they've never seen assembly, but they can program. It's because they can program that they are ready for an introduction to computer science.

This book is great for getting to the level of the average, even beyond the average, student in intro college CS. It, unlike intro CS (despite claims to the contrary), starts assuming nothing and builds forward in a logical way to teach readers how to make a computer do something. I would recommend this book for a programing class for non-majors, a high school class, adult education, intro to programing self study etc.

In the same way that this is not a real introduction to computer science it is not an introduction to Python. There are many books that would be vastly superior introductions to the Python language for those who are already competent programmers.

The real genius here is taking a well organized approach to introducing programing using a great language. This allows readers to get starting writing interesting programs quickly and doing so without learning horrible habits or without regard for the fundamentals of computer science. This in turn builds the enthusiasm it takes to survive the jump from programming to CS. In short, I wish that every student in CS101 had used this book for a class in high school, but I'd never use this book for CS101.

Programming in Python 3: A Complete Introduction to the Python Language
$44.99
This book is not a basic book for people with no background at all in programming. But if you already have some experience with other languages, it is a fast, concise, and well-written introduction to Python. Please note that it is an introduction to Python 3, not 2.6 or earlier. Python 3 is the new, non-backwards-compatible version of the language. It is also arguably not what you should be using just now. So if you want to work in an earlier version of the language, don't get this book. It does not deal at all with earlier versions or differences between the versions.

If you're digging into the future of Python, version 3, then this is a great introduction!

Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner
$29.99
Easy to follow and fun. I have absolutely zero programming experience, and I could keep up easily with this book.