Hi Ross,
As a recent returner to the fascinating science of Astronomy, I find that the constellations are the same but technology has moved on a lot. So, rather than looking in books and magazines to help me know what is where and when and how bright things are (which I still do by the way) I now also use a free planetarium program on my main computer, and on an Android tablet which I can take outside with me. A good old fashion solution is also a Planisphere.
Pick one obvious constellation to start with like Ursa Major (also know as The Plough or Big Dipper), you will then know where you are (and where the Celestial North Pole is) and you can work out from there.
Best wishes
Chris