Common wisdom says the recurve is generally the more easy of the basic styles to learn with. But there are some guys who shoot longbows better than recurves. And, like LBR said, there are so many long-curves and re-bows - assorted hybrids of the two - that it's pretty dang hard to generalize any longer. You almost have to get down to talking about the difference between two specific brand/models of bows.

Like which is easier to learn with: a Jerry Hill Wildcat longbow or a Black Widow MAIII. Dang near everybody that's ever shot a Wildcat will answer - the MAIII.

I have to admit to having a soft spot in my heart for longbows, but I shoot recurves far better. A man MUST have at least one of each, as far as I'm concerned.