May I also recommend How to Think Like a Computer Scientist, Python version, 2nd edition? This edition uses Python 2.. I agree with everyone recommending Pyth

May I also recommend How to Think Like a Computer Scientist, Python version, 2nd edition? This edition uses Python 2.. I agree with everyone recommending Python 2.7, but do be sure you use the latest iteration of the Python 2. series. Python 2.4 and even 2.5 are missing some great new features, many of which show up in Python 3.0. To me, Python 2.7 is the best of both worlds -- all of Python 2.x's great features and familiarity, combined with most of the real needed changes in Python 3.0. I totally agree with Armin when he writes that there should be a Python 2.8 and 2.9. A better upgrade path is needed.