The Python GIS Challenge is going to be culminating in a book I am writing for Packt Publishing. Short and concise, the book contains descriptions of how to implement a wide range of essential GIS features in Python, including embedding all of it in an interactive GUI application. All in the spirit of as lightweight and as few dependencies as possible, and tailored especially for beginners while also useful for advanced users. Due out this month or next, check out the book description where you can also preorder it:
https://www.packtpub.com/application-development/python-geospatial-development-essentials
The Python-GIS Challenge 