Cervantes' book is probably the best introductory book in actual print, since its simple, comprehensive, and has good pictures.
Its not the best book for advanced growers, though.
Avoid the internet "growing elite cannabis". Its OK, but IMO its overpriced for what you get, plus its not well edited. There are a lot of wasted words, and a lot of material lifted wholesale from the internet.
before Jorge, i was relying on the old school relayed knowledge, some of which was good, some I could have done with out. Jorge cleared up that bunk information, and started me on my way to higher education....
i like jorges bible personally but im going to check out the greg green one. i just cant seem to asorb enough info about growing. constantly wanting to learn more. hope you got one for christmas. READ READ READ! and then read it again haha
Also, there hits a point (and I think if you're serious, you hit it pretty fast) where book learning doesn't cut it anymore.
You can't learn to swim by reading a book, and you can't learn to grow cannabis well just by reading a book. The book will help you avoid stupid mistakes, and it should lead you down paths you might not have though up by yourself, but ultimately if you want to learn how to grow well, there is no substitute for actual experience!
Iver read most of the books mentioned on this thread and in my opinion the two best seemed to be "Ed Rosenthals Oaksterdam course book" and my other fav. is " Greg Green growers hand book" i think those are the best ..... the Jorge. books are really a mess to read there all over the place and i enjoyed reading his books the LEAST...... just MO though....