Ask HN: ______ is to Python as K&R is to C?

I'm in need of a book recommendation for learning Python (not learning programming, just adding this language to my repertoire).

My learning method is more "start coding something, and refer to a reference book frequently" than "do these lessons and you'll eventually learn enough to start coding something you actually care about". A good reference is dense and to the point; it makes it quick and easy to look up both the syntax of individual features, and the thinking behind them.

Basically, my ideal programming book is Kernighan and Ritchie's "The C Programming Language" -- I want that, but for Python.