is html required to learn php? any good resources to start learning php?

I want to learn PHP, I have basic C++ Knowledge.

Is HTML really required to learn php?

I purchased the "HTML, XHTML and CSS for Dummies" book...I didn't liked the book because I want a straight-forward guide to get started in HTML..it contains a lot of useless material..I am the impatient type...it's a waste of time...so, i want a recommendation on a good resource(websites, books etc) that will get me started in HTML.

and a good resource to learn php as well. thanks..

With your attitude, you won't get far, sorry. You do need HTML as PHP will output HTML. If you don't know HTML, how will you provide the results of your PHP script to the user.

No book is a waste of time, trust me, I know - been there, done that, baught the T Shirt, wearing the T shirt.

html is so simple... you could learn it in less then one week..