Photoshop 5 Bible Gold Edition [With (2)]

I don't normally respond to the reader reviews; I think they should be allowed to stand on their own. But I feel compelled to address the one titled "Rehash" below. As with all my Photoshop Bibles over the years, I rewrote the Macworld Photoshop 5 Bible, replacing more than half the images and roughly 70% of the text. Four chapters (6, 10, 14, and Appendix A) are either new or bear no resemblance to previous incarnations. With this in mind, I don't quite understand how the term "rehash" applies.The rest of the review is fine, I suppose. True, the book is not a tutorial, but nor does it claim to be. I believe the term "Bible" implies an authoritative reference, and that's what this Bible is intended to be. I can't comment on whether the info is too basic (though I've never heard that one before) or whether everyone else is on drugs (just say no, kids). But the rehash thing -- well, I've stated my case on that.Anyway, probably should have let it go. The "rehash" review is six months old, after all. But couldn't help myself. Thanks for indulging me.--DekePS: I entered a five-star rating because that's the mean for this title. I would have prefered to forego a rating, but the system wouldn't let me.

In a digital world of freebies and give-me how-to's, this book breaks the tradition of professional secret keeping. Through this book, Deke McClelland gives you the knowledge and insight to make your own decisions on the 'how-to's rather than blindly following examples from some trick book. The book is eloquently humored to distract from the more mundane yet necessary portions of Photoshop (Although a bit excessive in areas) Photoshop 5 Bible: Gold Edition is not for the inexperienced quick fixers but rather packed with information for the serious long haul.

I teach computer graphics, and am constantly in search of good software guides. Most are simply warmed-over manuals, or "recipe books" that are no help in building a basic understanding of a given software package. This book breaks down every aspect of Photoshop, and explains the full function and possible applications of nearly every aspect of this powerful software. Deke's book is simply the best of it's type I've ever read. Some of my students don't care for his sense of humor (which seems to be more evident with every new edition, for better or worse), but most find that it helps break the tedium of the technology. I agree with the latter. An earlier edition of this book was instrumental in my professional career, and I simply can't recommend it enough.

My graphic design instructor, Barbara Obermeier does technical editing for some of Deke's work (Photoshop 5 for Dummies). She has nothing but great things to say about Deke. I have this book and I have learned so much. From configuring Photoshop preferences to making complex selections, this book covers it all. Deke's writing style is also quite humorous as well. Barbara Obermeier and Ted Padova said that Deke has a photographic memory. You can ask him what he did on page 56 of a book that he wrote 5 years ago and he would remember. The guy's a genius!

Before I read this book I had never used photoshop or any other photo program. This book was well written, easy to follow, and explained everything a beginner or intermediate user of the program would need to know. I was very quickly able to get up running. It may be over 700 pages, but it is fast and fun reading. Highly recommended.