A comprehensive overview of finite fields

I've read numerous introductions to finite fields, but I feel like my intuition about them is fairly lacking. Considering that finite fields are the the most "inert" objects in algebraic geometry, I think I could use a serious surge of perspective.

What I would like to read now is a comprehensive overview that tells me "everything I need to know" about how finite fields and their algebraic closures work, algebraically. I don't mind working out the proofs on my own if they are terse or absent; I'm just looking for quality and quantity of results. Hopefully some intense reading will help steep out some of my insecurities about characteristic p.

Can anyone recommend a single source for such an overview?

Thanks!

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If you are a geometer over finite fields, then the Frobenius will make sure that you are almost as good as in the algebraically closed case. Befriend the Frobenius, and then you are in a safe position. –  Regenbogen Feb 26 '10 at 0:15

Finite Fields by R. Lidl and H Niederreiter (CUP). Probably as comprehensive as it gets.
The ams review calls it the the Bible of finite fields''. You can find it (the review)here.

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Your link appears to be broken. –  Alison Miller Oct 24 '09 at 0:37
Fixed it now. Thanks! –  Sonia Balagopalan Oct 24 '09 at 0:58
It's great, thank-you! –  Andrew Critch Oct 24 '09 at 5:49
The really important things in algebraic number theory start from group cohomology and theorems like Hilbert 90, but you'll be better searching/asking for different keywords than finite fields then.