Essential photography books for the complete beginner?

[Cromulent]

As the title really. Can anyone recommend some good books that would really help out a complete beginner? I'd like to learn more but I feel a bit overwhelmed with everything at the moment and think having a decent book to explain things will make it easier for me to take it all in.

 

[Cromulent]

"Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson gets a lot of deserved recommendations. I found it great for explaining some of the core principles.

Thanks. I'll get that when I put my next order in. It certainly sounds like the kind of book I am after.

I still want to hear about any others though . You can never have too many books .