Python books review ?

[Patrick Phalen]

[Hirendra Hindocha, on Wed, 29 Dec 1999]

:: It seems that suddenly there are a lot of Python books on the market. 
:: Has anyone bought them ? If so, can u post a review of them ? 
::
:: Please post to the newsgroup. 
:: 
:: I'm looking for reviews on - 
:: 
:: Programming With Python 
:: Tim Altom; Paperback 

Haven't seen it. Anyone know anything about the author (Altom)?

:: Python Annotated Archives 
:: Martin C. Brown, et al; Paperback 

I like this one. 700 pages of scripts, annotated line-by-line, covering
a wide range of problem types:

* Data manipulation
* Networking
* Web development
* Interface development
* Entertainment and graphics
* Sending and organizing email
* Tools for programming
* Systems administration
* Cross-platform support

The scripts are well selected and the annotations very clear.
Recommended for those who like to learn by example.


:: The Quick Python Book 
:: Kenneth McDonald, Daryl D. Harms; Paperback 

This is my new go-to book. Very lucidly written with generously
detailed explanations. Very complete. The organization of the content
is logical, making it easy to find what you want.

The best explanation of Python classes I've seen anywhere.

Very nice HTMLgen chapter (by Robin)

Especially useful for Win32 folk (which I'm not), due to the attention
it pays to that platform's umhhh ... "special needs." (Not that it
short-changes the *nix users either.)

Devotes chapters to some advanced topics that other books might not --
JPython, COM, Zope, extending Python with C/C++.


Not mentioned in your list, but also worth purchasing IMO:

* Learning Python
The best introduction for beginners

* Python Essential Reference
Nice, rather complete expansion of the online docs. A handy
reference; I use it often. Typeface too small for comfortable reading,
though.

* the effbot Guide to the Python Standard Library
An e-book. Example usage for (I think) the whole standard library. Very
useful. Fun to browse. Sprinkled with amusing quotations too.
Windows-only PDF format may leave some people out.

Note, too, that Open Source Library now has commercially printed, bound
copies of:

* Python Tutorial
* Python Reference Manual
* Python Library Reference (good bedtime reading)

... at a good price, with, I believe, some proceeds going to PSA. It's
nice to have these in book form.