recommendation

[faller_g]

Well, im a beginer at photoshop and have the version CS (you can still use all the things in the book even though it is meant for version 7). I have no manual for it so borrowed this book from the liabary. Its really good, as although it teaches you some strange things, you could use the tips for many other purposes. Im so glad I got this, it has been a heap of heap. I would recommend this.

'Photoshop 7 Trade secrets'
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1903450918/102-9573883-8490561?v=glance

 

[Songspinner]

Down and Dirty tricks for Photoshop is also a great book...bit advanced but has some really neat tricks in it

 

[Southern Cross]

I've got a few books by Scott Kelby, and they've all been excellent! Well worth the money. There are also tutorials all over the net, free, just do a search on "photoshop tutorial" or if you need something specific, like creating lab process b&w images, just do a search on "photoshop b&w conversion",etc. People post their methods and some are very good!