HOWTOs for Autoconf and Automake?

A nameless wonder snuck this query under my door: "As a fairly new developer, with plans to start making software of sufficient quality to share (i.e. a program whose code/distribution I need not be embarrassed of), I am trying to find good, useful information on how to use automake, autoconf, etc. The main pages are wonderful at telling me the command line options, but don't explain what they do and how they work. I have found a good starter in this article on IBM's Developer works, but where can I find more information? Would someone please (pretty please?) write a HOWTO for the LDP? is there a hidden walkthrough/introduction out there on the net that could shed some light on these tools?"