As I read the original requirments, Daidalos wants to,

to get into photography.
particularly interested in black and white photography.
Such as what sort of camera to get.
What kind of film to use.

Film in these days is quite a bit of a problem. 

Let me give you the benefit of my experience.  I have 2 good film
cameras, 35mm SLR with several lenses and also a medium format
SLR with 2 good lenses ... both with the usual accessories. 

I could get film, B&W, color negative, color positive; I can get the film
professionally processed. 

The problem is that the cost is out of sight -- $18 to develop, scan,
print, print an index card and burn a CD-ROM ... but (this is the kicker),
only at about 6 mega pixels per image.  Yeah, that's enough to print
an 8X10 ... but what if I want to do an extreme crop and blow-up?  That
would be an additional cost. 

So ... I have some suggestions ...

1. Please forget about film ... at least for now. 

2. Since you are just starting out, and you are trying to hold your
   costs down, get a modestly priced point and shoot ... about $100. 

Concentrate on composition, and capturing the decisive moment. 

You'll be able to take pictures at no cost and process in GIMP
(or photoshop) ... I have no experience with GIMP -- can't help
you there. 

3. You asked about books ... I would suggest the Ansel Adams
   books, [ The Ansel Adams Guide: Basic Techniques of Photography

• Book 1 (Ansel Adams's Guide to the Basic Techniques of
  Photography) (Paperback)](http://www.amazon.com/Ansel-Adams-Guide-Techniques-Photography/dp/0821225758/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1219421469&sr=1-6) and The Ansel Adams Guide : Basic
  Techniques of Photography - Book 2 (Paperback).  

Eventually, you'll need a photo quality printer and a good quality
tripod.  In order to suggest a tripod, we (and you) need to know
if you will be shooting in the studio, in the field, or while hiking. 

HTH

--
Martin