I'd definately recommend it as a part of a beginners (
you a beginner
yeah right mate
) prime lens kit. For the price I don't reacon you could beat it. If you can afford it though the f/1.4 is supposed to be a better lens, but it is 5 times the price.
The next one I'm saving up for will be either the 85mm f/1.8 or the 17-40 zoom that Mike raves about.