Python is a new and innovative scripting language. It is set to replace Perl as the programming language of choice for shell scripters, and for serious application developers who want a feature-rich, yet simple language to deploy their products.
Dive Into Python is a hands-on guide to the Python language. Each chapter starts with a real, complete code sample, proceeds to pick it apart and explain the pieces, and then puts it all back together in a summary at the end.
This is the perfect resource for you if you like to jump into languages fast and get going right away. If youre just starting to learn Python, first pick up a copy of Magnus Lie Hetland's Practical Python.