Thanks
everybody for replies. Got all 7 T. Thom tomes and the updated PPL Confuser, as well as the various AICs mentioned by Thom. Shall get the other book recommendations anon.
As to the transceiver: at this stage I feel it's too early for such an expensive item. (Anyway, I am not your average millionaire and can't see myself getting my own a/c.) A scanner would allow me to get used to R/T communications. If the AR-108 Maycom isn't the right one which one would you recommend? Perhaps the ICOM IC-R5?
As I am training at WW which has no ATC, would I be able to pick up WAP and/or any of the other nearby aerodromes? - Sorry to have to ask, but I am in total ignorance on this matter.

BTW: Ok - RANT2000 is definitely OTT at the moment!