Sorry, I didn't think you were a simpleton, I just remember that there are good sites that have open tuning tutorials on the Web embedded in those threads.

There are two other books that have good things that come from Acoustic Guitar magazine. One is called "Alternate Tunings" and the other is called something like "Private Lessons" -- they have open tuning tutorials by David Hamburger. There is also a good book by Fred Sokolow on Roots of the Blues which has some open tuning pieces. There is a book by Arlen Roth on Slide Guitar which has open D (E) tuning work in it.

Generally I would go to the Stefan Grossman site/shop for videos and DVDs -- he has all kinds, including lessons in the styles of practically everyone. I personally have nearly worn out the Legends of the Blues Guitar video, but that is because it has Son House on it.
yours, Peter T.