I guess the question is what do you mean by advanced topics? What direction do you want to go in? The latter book you mentioned seems to cover a number of topics and is probably a good bet.

If you are interested in the web, both these books were good: http://www.amazon.com/Python-Web-Programming-Steve-Holden/dp... http://www.amazon.com/The-Definitive-Guide-Django-Developmen...

Here are a few books that cover some "advanced?" topics that I'd like to read when I have time (would also like to hear other peoples' recommendations on them): http://www.amazon.com/Python-Data-Analysis-Wes-McKinney/dp/1... http://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Network-Programming-Essentials... http://www.amazon.com/Foundations-Python-Network-Programming... http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Tornado-Michael-Dory/dp/1... http://onlinebookplace.com/programming-computer-vision-with-...

I'm not sure on your background or the quality of these books, but an understanding of data structures, algorithms, and object oriented programming could be considered important: http://www.amazon.com/Data-Structures-Algorithms-Using-Pytho... http://www.amazon.com/Python-Algorithms-Mastering-Language-E... http://www.amazon.com/Python-3-Object-Oriented-Programming/d...

Although these and other intermediate to advanced topics tend to be covered better in non-language-specific books such as this shotgun blast to the head. Don't worry, it's just an "introduction": http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Algorithms-Thomas-H-Corme...

I think the best way to learn anything is by doing. So a great place to start is djangoproject.

Following which, I recommend trying to build from scratch simple webapps that uses 3rd party api's like Twitter or Flickr.

The goto book is http://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Guide-Django-Development-Ri...

For some reason, a lot of the django books are outdated.

As for the versions, I would say go with Python2.7/Django1.4

I wrote a short checklist that might help you in your progress!

http://pragmaticstartup.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/what-every-...

It also might be worth pointing out the community size based on the frameworks. By looking at their respective IRC channels and/or Google Group sizes you can get a rough estimate how big each of their communities are. Overall, I've found any / all python web framework communities to be extremely helpful and friendly. I say that not to take away from the non-python frameworks because I don't have experience with them.

I couldn't easily find your email so here is a list instead. These books are out right now:

The Definitive Guide to Django: Web Development Done Right: http://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Guide-Django-Development-Ri...

Sams Teach Yourself Django in 24 Hours: http://www.amazon.com/Sams-Teach-Yourself-Django-Hours/dp/06...

Professional Python Frameworks: Web 2.0 Programming with Django and Turbogears: http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Python-Frameworks-Program...

Here are two coming out later in the year:

Practical Django Projects (June or July 2008): http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Django-Projects-Pratical/dp/...

Python Web Development with Django (Sep 2008): http://www.amazon.com/Python-Development-Django-Developers-L...

http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Django-Development-Done-Right/dp/1590597257

The book is coming in a month. One big reason why there aren't a lot of Django books out there is because instead of trying to make money off of books, they focused on writing high quality documentation to begin with. That book that's coming out is free online as well: http://www.djangobook.com/

The reason there are lots of Rails books is because there's a lot of hype around it. That doesn't necessarily mean the community is more supportive.