ISO authoritative Python ref

[bill]

I have to learn Python in a hurry.  I learn fastest by reading the
specs/reference manual, or something like it (e.g. "C: A Reference
Manual", by Harbison and Steel).

Is there a Python book that fits this description?

Many thanks in advance,

bill

P.S. I avoid tutorials like the plague, and I loathe the typical
O'Reilly "learn-through-examples" approach.  I know a lot of people
like this style of learning, but I find it to be a waste of time.
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