Cake & Cake Decorating Book/Supplies

I searched the board for some advice on the best recipe books to buy if I am a complete novice looking to back and decorate my first cake. Didn't find anything.
I also went to the book store, but found many of the books seemingly very complicated.
I want to eventually be able to make the kind of lopsided tower cakes that Colette Peters makes, but that's probably way too ambitious to start off with.
Any advice on a book to get me started?
Also, I was going to buy fondant and supplies on line. I found one site - www.pastrywiz.com. Any other sites I should check out.
Your advice is appreciated. Thanks.