Required reading in electronics

Wow what a great list, Thanks Daniel. I looked at the Art of Electronics and was reminded of my days at CSUN, class books are pricey :o ! If I did order that would the Study book be worth the extra money? Are Forrest M. Mims III's other books worth buying? Also are there any online sites I should look at? Maybe we should put together a syllabus for beginners listing just this sort of info?