Rex A. Ewing

This is a general survey book, but it covers some very useful concepts and is a good starting point to consider the options. Good appendices.

This is a surprisingly cogent book for the complete novice. It takes a dense specialty subject and breaks it down into small enough pieces so that the reader can begin to feel like not such an idiot. The tone is as if from a friend, making recommendations based on the real world.

This is a must for the beginner.