I want to teach myself to play the accoustic guitar. I would like to know
a) what makes are considered 'reputable'
b) what instuments should a beginner consider
c) how much should i expect to pay for that instrument
d) what are considered to be the best books for self-tuition ?

Hi hufton:

I did some searching for you, and while there are many, many sites out
there recommending what type of beginner acoustic guitar you should
buy, most of them appear biased towards the models they are promoting.
I did, however, find one excellent site at about.com that seemed
unbiased, thorough, and current.

Top 5 Beginner Acoustic Guitars
URL: http://guitar.about.com/cs/acoustic/tp/top5acoustics.htm

This page answers parts a) and b) of your question. If you following
the "Compare Prices" links, you'll see that these guitars cost between
US$150 - US$400, depending on which one you choose. That's part c)!

More information on buying a guitar can be found on this site at: 

Buying a Guitar 
URL: http://guitar.about.com/library/weekly/aa012301a.htm

Dan Cross, the "guide" for this site seems to be really up on his
stuff! You can find out more about Dan at:

Dan Cross - Bio
URL: http://guitar.about.com/mbiopage.htm


The following pages list highly recommended guitar books (both for
beginners and beyond):

Bookstore
http://guitar.about.com/msubbook.htm?terms=books

Amazon - Most Popular Picks
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/sim-explorer/explore-items/-/076455106X/0/ref=pd_sim_d_b/104-7896279-3758343

Today's Instructor: Craig Dobbins
URL: http://www.misterguitar.com/askaplayerdobbins.html
Quote: "As far as books, once you are on your way, check out John
Knowles' great series of Chet Atkins books: "Chet Atkins Note for
Note" (distributed by Music Sales), "Contemporary Styles", "Guitar for
All Seasons", "Almost Alone", and the forthcoming "Vintage
Fingerstyle" (distributed by Hal Leonard)."

Guitars | Books That Help
URL: http://alanhorvath.com/guitbooks.html


I hope this information helps with your research.        
        
If you need any clarification of the information I have provided,
please ask using the clarification feature and provide me with
additional details as to what you are looking for. As well, please
allow me to provide you with clarification(s) *before* you rate this
answer.
        
Thank you.         
        
websearcher-ga         
        
        
Search Strategy (on Google):         

beginner acoustic guitar 
"best books" "acoustic guitar"

part d
i went thru the same problem trying to find a good book. no one can
tell you what you need. so ask your self these questions

1)do you want to learn using tab (simple/ universal) or can you
already read standard music(like piano or saxiphone)?
2)what kind of music do i want to play?  if you like rock get a
beguiners rock book. the same for clasical jaz or popular.
3)how far does the book progress the student?

make sure whatever you get has some firmiliar tunes. the best way to
learn is on things that you can already hum or sing along to.