If you are trying to decide whether to get Core Python or Dive into Python, you will find the answer in the way you like to learn.

Dive into Python if for the impatient programmer, that wants to get started as quickly as possible, knowing that you can always go back to the docs when you get stuck. I tried reading Dive into Python, and I found it unpleasant, because I don't like to learn that way, leaving me with too many questions unanswered.

Core Python is for those of us that like to know the rules before we start playing the game. Mr Chun does an excellent job of communicating the details that you would find in a language specification, but in comfortable language that makes it easy to understand and remember the concepts.

The comparisons to Bruce Eckel (Thinking in Java) are appropriate, Chun and Eckel are similar in style, though Chun seems to me more clear, and less verbose.

The table of contents is well thought out, and when concepts in one chapter are closely related to another chapter Chun helpfully references where you would look to read more on the related topic. The code snippets are appropriately brief, containing the necessary detail for the concept at hand.

This is an excellent book, as Mr. Chun does well what he sets out to do. If you are interested in a detailed exposition that will continue to serve as a great reference, I recommend Core Python.