Book on PHP. One of the two

The kotěra.

Read and koterova and Gutmans, better Gutmans, but the translation is not so hot, but the essence of the book is set out is clear and accessible!

The second great reference. But language, I see you don't know. Then of kotěra, he had better get to convey truths for beginners. Though for a long time not write on PHP, Gutmans, Bakken, Ryans stands proudly on the shelf, because as I said, the guide is very good. There are no truths like "how to write a cycle", high architecture and descriptions of the libraries. The choice is yours.

And for what? Learn how to program from scratch or to change the language?
If the change — then what?

But I had to throw links. For advertising no one would have considered, and You make willing to help to go and Google yourself.
Owner of Gutmans confused by the fact that it is 2006, the year of issue. At koterova the latest edition of 2008 year, that's better.
Gutmans not read, read koterova. He's got a lot of attention is paid to the basics. If You are familiar with php a short time or even just starting its study, the book of koterova fit. If You are already an experienced developer, I think it is better to pay attention to something more serious where the heads about syntax, loops, conditions and other foundations is omitted.
Looking at the table of contents of Gutmana, I noticed that there the basics there.

"PHP script from Kotereva" — what you need. Suitable for the beginner, and for someone who knows less.