Web Design in a Nutshell is not merely an updated edition of the previous book (2001) of the same title. Extremely quick substantial changes in the web design systems over these past few years simply wouldn't allow for such an update. Instead, the author has composed this book from the ground up to address the issues and concerns of web designers in 2006. This reference covers all the basics of web design how tos from basics like choosing text elements and creating links through more challenging topics such as optimization of graphics and using flash on web pages. However, the portion of the book that I found most useful was the sections on designing sites for a variety of different browsers and increasing accessibility on your website. Together, these aspects create an easy to understand guide for those individuals wanting an introduction to web design or as very solid reference material for current web designers.
The book gives quick introductions to most of the tools and technologies needed for starting out in web design. The book does not go too in-depth on anything, but provides resources for further exploration. I'm not sure how much of a reference this book is, but acts as a great introduction. Most of the book would be great as recommended texts for students who might want to see a little more. The biggest problem I had with it is that it's alreadyy out of date and doesn't cover HTML 5 or CSS3. One of the best introductions to the concepts of web design I've read.
This is the book I used to get started when I opened up shop. It introduced me to the world of CSS which was to me, at that time, a different planet. Most importantly, it gave me the latest version of HTML and CSS as an integrated system. I still refer to this book often. It's bookmarked and full of little sticky tabs, and is the book I would vote most likely to be missed if it disappeared from my library.
This book is very helpful for introduction in study and learning web design for beginner like me. It's very simple and easy to understand. Generally applicable and to-the-point explanation, but not in details because if you want to more detail explanation for some subjects, you have to buy the specific book(s) for the subject.
Specifically a book on how to design /good/ web pages, using CSS and separation of display logic from document markup. Also contains a very comprehensive (X)HTML/CSS reference and a list of known CSS rendering bugs for recent versions of popular browsers.
If more people read this book, there would be fewer broken websites out there.
This is a great book for people new to web development. It gives you what you need to know and tells you how it works. It's not just telling you the rule and the properties. For example, the chapter on CSS box model is very helpful to understanding how CSS works.
You know the school is desperately in need of money when they buy '97 books for computer classes. The essentials are there though: HTML, graphics, design & fun, fun fun.
The 1998 version of this book pinpoints the exact start of what has become a long and amazing career for me. I will be forever grateful to its authors.