Learning Perl is a classic of the form---the best intro programming book that I've ever seen, at least for smart readers who've done some kind of programming (any kind, with any language) in the past.

The contrast to Learning Python is noteworthy. The latter book is useful, too, but it's about ten times bigger and much less focused on introducing a language.

I find Mark Lutz's writing style extremely tedious, having forced myself to wade through "Learning Python".

Learning Perl is a great book but for anyone new make sure you get a copy of the 7th addition. It originally came out in '93. The 6th edition is 12 years old now.

Yup, I'd almost recommend it to a non-programmer.