Recommended PHP books?

I'm not too sure if this post belongs here, so I apologize in advance if it doesn't.

I've a trip soon, a month long trip with no internet access, so I'm planning to buy myself a PHP book and get to practising it.

Which books would you recommend a beginner to pick up? For my background, I've had some programming experience in VB, so I'm familiar with the concepts of syntax, variables and the like.

I would really appreciate if some of you guys could give me some titles

PHP 5 in easy steps is a good php beginner book.

Advanced PHP Programming by George Schlossnagle went down REALLY well over here. I highly recommend it. Although perhaps a little over your head at the moment, but there are other book recommendations there.

You might find "PHP and MySQL" by Larry Ullman published by Peachpit Press useful. I certainly did.

Originally Posted by Wildhoney Advanced PHP Programming by George Schlossnagle went down REALLY well over here. I highly recommend it. Although perhaps a little over your head at the moment, but there are other book recommendations there.

Its a good book for advanced topics, I own a copy.

Definitely! Covers more than just PHP. CVS, Unit Testing, etcetera.

I learned from the PHP Bible, PHP and MySQL Web Development (http://www.amazon.com/PHP-MySQL-Web-.../dp/067232525X) and SitePoint's Building Dynamic Pages with PHP and Mysql or something.

Sitepoint's books are real good for beginners. I read almost all of their first edition books. I use the latter more of references and readups.

But if you want a month long read, go for the thick books. They have plenty of information and great for reference. DO get sticky tabs for the books!

The best, Made by PHP themself , http://www.php.net/manual/en/

Only good if you know what you're looking for. Doesn't actually teach you any logic or techniques.

Back from the trip, and am sad to say that I couldn't find any of those books in the local shops.

But thanks anyway for all the suggestions! I can at least visit amazon now