I have been introduced to Perl by a friend. After some research I found out this is the prefered book for beginners by many. So I didn't hesitate and I ordered it from web. I have to say I don't regret the decision. This book enabled me to start walking in Perl. Nice good introduction to the language.

May be you won't become an expert by this book alone. But it is also not the aim of the book. The authors remind us of the fact also. The book should be a starting point to your journey in Perl. Once you are confident about the matter in the book you can move on to 'Intermediate Perl' and 'Mastering Perl'

And FYI, my book was edition 5, which had brian d foy also as the author. I have also bought the other two books and is looking and is going through them too.