1. Dive Into Python – The original but not the best anymore.  It taught me Python so I’ve got fond memories and a special place in my heart for it.
2. How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Learning With Python – A newly revised edition of this book is due out in Feburary 2009 but its still worth taking a look at the original.
3. Text Processing in Python – I haven’t read it but I thoguht I’d add it for the sake of completeness.
4. Start Programming With Python – Its a relatively new project started by an enthusiast.  A hell of a lot has already been produced and its due to be finished by Xmas.
5. PLEAC Python – Its like a rapid-fire Python Cookbook with short, concise examples of how to solve a variety of low-level problems.  Form string manipulation to database access.
6. Non-Programmers Tutorial for Python – Its for non-programmers but its sometimes useful to read form a different point of view.  I find the perspective refreshing.
7. Python 101 – Part of a university course this goes through the fundamentals as well as providing exercises.
8. Thinking in Python Design Patterns and Problem-Solving Techniques – A mammoth title written by the great Bruce Eckel.
9. Python Standard Library – This is seriously showing its age as it was originally written for Python 2.0.  Although there’s updates they’re incomplete.  Its still worth a look though to get a good idea of the Python core.
10. Python Programming Tutorial – It looks okay, though nothing ground breaking.
11. Django Book – A book on Pythons greatest web framework.
12. Pylons Book – A book on Pythons 3rd best web framework.
13. Sockets Programming in Python – I found this over at Scribd which is fast turning out to be a great little site.  I recommend you look at some of the other books on offer once you’ve looked at this.
14. Python Network Programming – Heavy on theory and light on practice.  Still a worthy read when you need to sleep.
15. Advanced Python Programming – This is actually a 126 slide lecture given by a Chicago University lecturer.  Some good stuff in here.

If I’ve missed any off you think are worthy then let me know.

If you’re after something in paper form then I’d recommend one of the books below.

I recently got my hands on a copy of Programming Python (the book from the ‘dark side’ ) and I’m stunned. I now look back at my Pickaxe book and its unbelievable to see the difference. Chapter after chapter is peppered with comments such as: “you can read more about this class by looking at the docs in the back”. What’s not mentioned though is that the docs are actually already part of the Ruby documentation – Its an almost verbatim copy!

Whereas in the Programming Python book (a hefty 1500 pages) you get all chapters dedicated to explaining how to use the language with real world applications. The Pickaxe has 830 pages but with only 419 dedicated to showing you how the use the language. The rest is taken up with the general Ruby documentation. If that isn’t bad enough the first edition of the Pickaxe is available online for free. So not only is half the book just basic open source documentation but 2/3 of the rest is already available online as part of the first edition. It sticks in the throat a little – though a masterstroke of marketing to be sure. I’m immensely happy with some of their other books but I can’t help but feel a bit cheated in this case and I think the ‘cult’ mentality surrounding their books has much to do with their success – not necessarily their quality.

Sorry O’Reilly – all is forgiven.

From the very beginning it had those differences so inherent in Pragmatic Books. Those mini innovations like the non-crease spine, the friendly narrative, etc.

Well in this new Rails book they seem to have used Tags & Thumb Tabs. Simply put its a way that enables you to find other related recipes in the book by looking along the books edge and seeing the greyed ‘tabs’ on the same level that correspond to the subject. I’ve not made myself very clear, just trust me – its a snazzy idea and it put me in a good mood for the rest of the book.

The contents themselves seem to have been well integrated considering the vast number of contributers this is a pretty extraordinary feat. You don’t simply get code examples and a short description here like in many other recipe books. You get a full Problem, Solution and Discussion format giving a clean and thorough run through of a wide range of interesting Rails tweaks.

I’d say the book is far more than a recipe book that helps you solve an issue, or help you with a recipe. It deepens your understanding of Rails as a whole and its a pretty good companion to the existing Rails book [Please Note: The 2nd Edition of Agile Web Development with Rails is due for release soon so hold off buying the 1st Ed.] Its another one of the Pragmatic books I keep close at hand all the time along with AWDR, Pragmatic Programmer, and Pickaxe.

Highly Recommended.