UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Hello,

I want to learn LISP, and I have a GNU/Linux OS. I first sought a LISP compiler/interpreter and was told that GNU Emacs has a LISP mode. But I couldn't get into LISP mode, nor I don't know how to use it when I get into LISP mode.
How can I run LISP code under GNU Emacs?

And if possible, could someone point me some articles/documents on LISP that is written for a complete stranger to the land of LISP and AI.

Huge thanks in advance!

Open up emacs.

Press C-x C-b. (opens up list of buffers)

Click *scratch*.

While the cursor is in the bottom screen, hit C-x 1 (this is just to make it easier to read).

Delete the text in between the semicolons (which should be all of it).

Type what you want to (for example, (+ 2 2)).

Press C-x C-e. (this evaluates the list)

Your result (in this case, 4) will be displayed in the minibuffer (the small line at the bottom).

NOTE: This is just for small statements such as (+ 2 2), I'm guesing, because I'm a newb as well.

Also, a good guide to elisp (Emacs Lisp) is Programming in Emacs Lisp

Hope I helped.