This is pretty handy. I basically learnt to program with "Think Python" (then known as "How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Learning with Python"), and would recommend it to anyone who wants a smart, comprehensive look at Python or programming in general.
Google Treasure Hunt got me using and excited about Python again, so the other books are much appreciated.
Allen Downey (the author of Think Python) was one of my CS professors at Olin College, and he always had a great and simple way to get his ideas across. Also check out his book on Synchronization for a fun look at the world of mutexes, etc.
There's a great story in how he ended up writing the Python book. He had already written "How to Think Like a Computer Scientist" but completely in Java. At some point someone interested in Python decided to rewrite his book (which is released under the GNU Free Documentation License) and use Python instead. Downey actually re-read this version of the book in order to learn Python, and now teaches a popular Python course.
Can you imagine reading your own words to learn something you don't already know? That's pretty amazing stuff!
i started with "dive in python" but purchased "programing python" because i needed a real book made of paper. Im not alway infront of the computer and i wanted to read all the time, so a good combination of free online books and printed books worked for me.
Google Treasure Hunt got me using and excited about Python again, so the other books are much appreciated.