Hello again, Alan.I wrote a review of a new edition of one of the best all-around books for both beginners and many intermediate amateurs called "The Backyard Astronomer's Guide". Just click on "Book Reviews" in the Topics Section to the left of this page.
It has a great deal of info that will help with advice on buying a telescope, adding eyepieces, filters and other accessories to a telescope, starting to learn about the sky and using star charts, EVERYTHING, literally!
I highly recommend it as your first "best" book on astronomy that you'll ever own.
Bob