I liked "Guitar for Absolute Beginners" from the New York City Guitar School.

"Gibson's Learn and Master Guitar" this would be a good choice for you. Let us know if you have any other doubt, so that We can help you here.

Instead of a book, is there some kind of a video tutorial guide somewhere? Preferably for free?

All I could find was disjointed and spread pieces of information on the internet, Dont want to read walls of text in a book to do something so practical as playing the guitar. It'll be like school all over again! heh :P (kidding)

Thanks

The "Hal Leaonard Guitar Method 1,2,&3" is the best choice for beginners.