- Think Python, How to Think Like a Computer Scientist by Brian Downey
- Synthesizer Cookbook by Fred Welsh
- Make: Analog Synthesizers by Ray Wilson
- Thomas pointed out these fantastic posters with synthesizer basics
To get some (virtual) experience with modular synths I installed LiveProfessor, a free VST host. In this, I installed the Fre(a)koscope VTS plugin, recommended by Fred Welsh in the book above, to be able to look at real-time spectra. For LiveProfessor to run I had to first install ASIO4all. And then you start it up and realize you can just build your own virtual synthesizer by adding modules as VST plugins. I quickly installed Basic 65 and Kairatune. Just take a look at all this free gorgeous mysterious awesomeness.
And here 3 hours of synthesis basics in three parts: