I am currently reading Addy Osmani's "Developing Backbone.js Applications" and like how it begins with explaining the basic concepts. As a js mvc framework beginner I find it useful and would recommend it.
Thank you so much for this! I am trying to start learning Backbone and I am finding it difficult to find a lot of information for beginners. This looks like a great start.
You can find it here: http://addyosmani.github.com/backbone-fundamentals/
For people who prefer learning from screencasts the material from TutsPlus is also good.