Course Books in Photography

I'm always borrowing newly published books from the Fairfax County Public Library.  One of my favorites is titled "Digital Photography Complete Course" (about $20).  This link has a "Look Inside" feature: 

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photography-Complete-Course-Publishing/dp/1465436073

I think it's a really good book for beginners in that it covers all the basics but does it with wonderfully illustrative graphics, and it will become a good reference-shelf item.  

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At the other end of the spectrum is a text used by Northern Virginia Community College for their introductory photography course, which I've taken.  The text is "Photography" (11th Edition), by Barbara London, et al.  It's expensive (about $120) and not available for preview at local libraries, but older editions (some predating digital) are available for under $10.  If you find one at a garage sale, I'd recommend buying it.  It's a thorough and professionally-written introduction to the historical, technical and artistic aspects of photography.