No doubt you can. Good advice an instruction goes a long way--unfortunatley the web is ate up with a lot of bad advice and instruction.

I don't know of a decent book or video to get you started from the ground up--I know of some, but none I'd recommend, and some I'd strongly suggest avoiding.

Once you get your feet wet, Masters of the Barebow Volume III is excellent.

Starting out, I'd go with a longer bow (at least 62" for a recurve, at least 66" for a longbow) and lighter draw weight (35-40# at your draw). You don't always get more by paying more. Unless you just have the extra cash, I'd start out cheap--a Samick Sage, or a cheaper ILF rig. These will get you started as good as anything, then later you can "upgrade" (if you want). There are some customs that, despite the cost, I wouldn't pay $5 for due to the unreliability of the bow and bowyer.

If you can find an experienced archer or coach in your area, it would be time well spent.

Good luck!

Chad