The Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing Drums, 2nd Edition

You can't beat this one for learning the basics!

This book covers everything the aspiring drummer needs to know-from an overview of drums and percussion history and theory; to information on purchasing, tuning, and maintaining drums; to basic music notation, rhythm, and time signatures; to snare drum fundamentals; playing a complete drum set; and basic beats for every style of music. In addition, this newly revised edition contains an audio CD featuring all exercises and solos from the book, tuning examples, and play along tracks.

-Audio CD included
-According to a Gallup survey, there are over 62 million amateur musicians in the U.S.
-Drums are the third most popular instrument among amateur musicians