Sams Teach Yourself Java in 24 Hours is a step-by-step tutorial that teaches someone with no previous programming experience how to create simple Java programs and applets.

Introduction to Programming Using Java

Introduction to Programming Using Java by David J. Eck , the fourth edition of the free, on-line textbook on introductory programming, which uses Java as the language of instruction.

The Java Tutorial Third Edition

The Java Tutorial Third Edition is a complete beginners guide on Java Language. It covers topics like Learning the Java Language, Writing Applets, Essential Java Classes, Creating a User Interface and Custom Networking.

Thinking in Java, 3rd Edition

A great Java book by Bruce Eckel. It covers topics like Introduction to Objects, Controlling Program Flow, Reusing Classes, Error Handling with Exceptions and Java Programming Guidelines.

Data Structures and Algorithms with Object-Oriented Design Patterns in Java

Data Structures and Algorithms with Object-Oriented Design Patterns in Java is a free web book by Bruno R. Preiss. It covers topics like Foundational Data Structures, Data Types and Abstraction, Stacks, Queues, and Deques and Ordered Lists and Sorted Lists.