The new Python Cookbook is out
amazon.com
amazon.com
I'm looking for something like 'Effective C++' (but for Python of course): a collection of recipes and good practices that would allow an experienced programmer make a better use of the language.
I haven't used any edition of the Python cookbook, but I've used the Perl cookbook and it's just like you described. I have also heard and read that the O'Reilly cookbooks are known (famous even?) for being the kind of books that you described.
The best equivalent now is the language reference at python.org.
Seeing it for ~€30, which is ~£25
I can't comment on rails, but I spent quite a long time with django before switching to repoze-bfg (pyramid's previous name). In my experience you don't hit the same wall that you tend to with django when you need to step off the the common path.
If this is a problem, I'll donate all proceeds to the charity of your choice. I'll post images of how much is earned.
Even better - the algorithm you write could go into the 4th edition of the Cookbook :-)
P.S. Everyone should go any buy the book. (I want this comment to count too!)
I seriously need to write down a list of "unwritten rules that get you spanked". :P
Are there published guidelines on this or is this one of those unwritten rules I've stumbled into?