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Recently tried the Music Theory in Practice Book 1 from ABRSM purchased at Amazon, which was fun and informative, but really should have had the Music Theory Book that goes with it. Now I see that books 3&4 don't seem to be available on Amazon. Basically, I want to learn theory fundamentals. any comments on these books, other sources etc. would be appreciated. How did you learn theory?

I personally do not like the ABRSM workbooks. I think they do not explain things well and I do not like the progression of the material.

Other than online resources:
http://www.musictheory.net/ (beginner to intermediate)
http://www.8notes.com/theory/ (beginner to intermediate)

http://www.teoria.com/ (review of beginner and into high-intermediate)

http://www.dolmetsch.com/theoryintro.htm (reference website)
+many, many more you can find on the internet

I personally enjoy a different series of workbooks far more: Fundamentals of Piano Theory by Keith Snell:
http://www.kjos.com/sub_section.php?division=5&series=130

Or, if you want just one book that is far more intense and covers the same materials, I also enjoy Mark Sarnecki's Complete Music Rudiments book:
book

What type of theory are you interested and what how intensly do you wish to study theory?

Also, if you really want to learn your theory, know your technique (keys, scales, arpeggios, chords, and all their variations) very well. Be able to name any interval or identify any interval, chord, etc. This will immensely help your theory.

I took a course at the local community college. It was a mindbender. Learned a lot. The professor was tough as nails.

50 free videos that will tell you all you need to know.

His jokes are awful, but the information is top notch.

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB585CE43B02669C3&feature=plcp

I now have way too many theory and harmony books, but I started out with a textbook that a friend had used for a community college music theory course. Since it didn't come with answers to the exercises, I sought out music theory quizzing software which offered similar exercises (there are some good suggestions above).

Now I like my learning materials to be very info-dense with minimal hand-holding, so college level theory (then harmony) texts were great for me (I have also been known to enjoy reading computer language manuals and abstract math books for fun).

But as a theory geek and bibliophile, I've used the library to expore other theory materials with an eye to making informed recommendations here. A very readable (and non-idiotic) book is The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory. Another one that's gotten good reviews around here is Alfred's self-study theory course.

If you do decide to go for a college theory text, this is a good time of year to score one inexpensively, as school is out. I have twho suggestions, if you choose to go this route, which are are 1) to go for outdated editions, as they're much cheaper, and 2)to not buy anything rated less than "very good" condition, as textbooks tend to be horribly defaced and their condition ratings inflated (e.g "good condition" means "all marked up but at least the cat hasn't pissed on it").

The one I started with is Benward's Music in Theory and Practice (more explanations & applied exercises), though my current favorite is Aldwell's Harmony and Voice Leading (more advanced, terser, very info-dense).

Saw this on a guy's t-shirt at guitar center. Found it pretty hilarious LOL!

Wow! thank you for all the suggestions. www.musictheory.net is great, lessons and exercises, clear explanations step by step with some playing of scales so you can hear them. This will keep me busy for a while.

Edly's was recommended to me here. I haven't been disappointed: http://www.amazon.com/Edlys-Music-Theory-Practical-People/dp/0966161661/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1341105513&sr=1-1&keywords=edly%27s+music+theory+for+practical+people

I really like theory books that have tons of practice examples in them and give you lots of time to process the info. So as many different resources you can find will be more helpful. I like Keith Snell's Fundamentals of Piano Theory to learn the material, and then they also offer a lot of exercises. I like www.musictheory.net as well.