Ron Wagner 2000. I recommend that you DO NOT buy telescopes from department stores or from magazines that are not astronomy magazines, such as clearance houses that offer a little of everything. Also DO NOT buy a telescope that uses magnification as a selling point, such as a 575x telescope. Good telescopes are sold according to its diameter of the lens or mirror. For example, a 3 inch refractor or 8 inch reflector.
Used telescopes are usually a good bargain.
If you can find an astronomy club in your area, they may be able to find you a good used scope. Binoculars are a great way to begin astronomy. 8x50 binoculars are what I recommend. NightWatch by Terence Dickinson and The Light-Hearted Astronomer by Ken Fulton are good books for beginners. I have had NightWatch for six years and still go back to it for information.