Average Customer Review: 
| Absolutely necessary title for your work in the long run | |
Dabblers in web design may skip this book for now. But if you are serious about investing your time and energy in web design and development, particularly if you are still mixing CSS (Style Sheets) and HTML markup unsystematically according to what seems to patch up your site's function (mea culpa), you owe it to yourself to check this out. Even if you just browse the first two chapters standing in a book store (sorry, authors), READ IT!Ordinarily, I would not have cared much about another 'history of the web' except that theirs (chapter 1) explained WHY and HOW changes from simple HTML to more efficient developments (esp. CSS) can vastly SIMPLY and empower the way your web design proceeds, enhancing: 1) accessibility of your site, 2) speediness of your site, 3) and best of all speed of your development and revision work. Although I agree that some exposure to CSS (even just from an introductory web design book) will make the going easier when you read this volume, from Briggs et al. you will finally learn the principles of WHY you save time and money by beginning your design with CSS (instead of just HTML/XHTML) and HOW the units of CSS work. It's like getting your first real understanding of how to do (virtually) all your work on a computer - when you had been clunking along trying to hang on to the familiarity of a typewriter for half your tasks. Finally, I have to express a real appreciation for the thoroughness of the presentations and the humanity of the writing style - no ranting, no hype - just thoughtful analysis of the state of this art/science and how to cope with its quirks and potentials. I enjoyed their tasteful, wry humor, agreeably sprinkled where appropriate - and the big laugh I got when I decided to look at the authors' pictures. (Seriously, guys, why did you let the publishers use mug shots? ;)
| Great way to start, but..... | |
As an olde timey graphics type (remember Rapidiograph pens and Rubylith anyone?) that has made the leap to HTML, I have found CSS to be the missing boone to those that still believe in white space and page control more like the ancient practice of type specification (leading, kerning, etc) followed by scooting the block of text around to get visual flow, balance and attractive layout.... I bought this one partially for the "yadda-yadda" history on the front-end. While this is a great book for making the leap from HTML, a web programming newbie should stay away from this one. The author assumes you are taking your NEXT LEAP, not a first baby step into web programming. My one star deficiency is based on value. By the time you get done reading, you will have a clear grasp of CSS structure. But if you want to start plugging sexy, cool stuff into pages, and like heady examples to help hone skills, you will have to purchase an additional book. This is akin to a driver's ed class....you'll learn how to start dad's Buick and drive it around an empty parking lot. Want to do a few turns around the Indie 500 track? You'll need another set of wheels. This book is well done and very logical...really whets the appetite but ain't the full-meal-deal. Still highly recommended tho'.
| Something to say to beginners and experts alike | |
A book that has something to say to beginners and experts alike. The authors managed to condensate a huge amount of informations, both on CSS theory and practical implementation. The chapters written by Steve Champeon alone are worth the price
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