No, it is not a joke.
You'll probably won't want to print the 464 page Manual, but I strongly encourage you to download the pdf version:
http://help.adobe.com/en_US/PhotoshopEl ... 6_help.pdf
It's very rich and I always find something new, for example chapter 12 for color correction. Even if it is not the best book for beginners, it will be useful to all. And if something is not clear for you, ask on this forum, this can lead to very interesting discussions.

Thanks, Michel. I'm downloading it now.

Michel,

Thank you! I just got done downloading it

Thank you, Michel

Thank you. Looks like this is for 6, so it should have much that will also apply to 7.

Tennie

There must be a special pdf version for PSE7, but I have not found it on Adobe's site. I would bet that 95% of the available pdf also applies to version 7.

There must be a special pdf version for PSE7 ...

Here you go, Michel:
http://help.adobe.com/en_US/PhotoshopEl ... 0_help.pdf

Juergen