Nick, Check the newcomer's guide at the top of the thread list. You should be able to find a great deal of material intended to help the begining guitarist, including book suggestions.

Having said that, my suggestion is that you buy two books: one with chord diagrams and fingering examples and another with lyrics and chord names for songs already familiar to you. Then just dig in a work out some songs. Once you're comfortable with some basic chords, smooth and up to speed, find a teacher who plays in the styles you most admire.

      - Mark