AND_YOU_ARE,
May I reccomend you first Learn Linux and then setup a Server. Anyway I have a vendetta Against Ubuntu that we won't go into here but to learn Linux I reccomend Mandriva Linux.
I reccomend Mandrake because it is easier and more user friendly, it has more apps, but isn't bloated. This means that you won't have to spend time configuring your Desktop, which is great for Noobs + it has a great Multimedia setup
Mandriva
http://frontal2.mandriva.com/en/downloads/mirrors
OR
if you prefer juist a one CD install you can go to PCLinuxOS, it is A Mandriva clone that boots as a live CD that installs to the HDD.
PCLinuxOS
http://www.pclinuxonline.com/pclos/html/download.html
OK that done we can discuss Learning Aids, you mentioned Books, the problem with that is books become outdated Very Quickly. I reccomend the Web
This is the Ultimate Linux website:
the Linux Online Bible:
http://rute.2038bug.com/index.html.gz
Also Check out:
http://lowfatlinux.com
If you are really after A book I reccomend Linux for Dummies 6th Edition, you can buy it @ your local bookstore or on the web, just google it.
After you have mastered the Basics, and you want to setup a server you can take A look at these Server distros:
ATMission:
http://www.atconsultancy.nl/atmission/
Smoothwall
http://www.smoothwall.org/
Hope this Helps,
Jake