If I could have only one book, I would buy "Core Python, Second Edition," by Wesley Chun.
For the record, I own: Core Python, Second Edition (great) wxPython in Action (haven't used yet) Beginning Python (barely used) Python in a Nutshell (use as a reference, although interactive python dir() is more useful) Dive into Python (great book) Python Cookbook (great book) Python Pocket Reference (not very useful) Python Phrasebook (I love the Phrasebook series, but this isn't a necessary book) -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list