If an absolute beginner were to use K&R as a start they'd be learning C from 35 or so years ago. It's well written, but not helpful as a reference. Even something as simple as how a function is organized has changed.

C Programming: a Modern Approach teaches C89 and C99, pointing out the differences in features when appropriate. Having used it myself this year, I found it much more helpful than K&R

If you start with the second edition (C89 / "ANSI C"), you'll discover that C has barely changed.

Yes, that's true. C Programming is largely a C89 book with small segments about C99.