[arthole]

David Beazley's Python Essential Reference.

you can do chapter 1 examples with the python basics in the interpreter and go from there. by far the easiest and best programming book I've ever come across.

All the basics in one remarkably short chapter.

of course, you'll have to have an understanding of concepts, like lists for instance. but it's so easy to play around in python you can figure those things out, and how they work on your own.

then use the python cookbook to hack up your own scripts. break them down to simple versions and you'll learn a lot when solving your own problems.