Sams Teach Yourself HTML and CSS in 24 Hours

I really enjoyed this book, and would definitely recommend it to anyone I know who wants to learn (X)HTML, and basic CSS, I read this in a few weeks, did most of the examples, and found myself feeling sad when the book ended. I wish all technical books were written like this, I would definitely buy other books by Michael Morrison or Dick Oliver again. I thought it would be so much harder to learn HTML, but with this book, it was relatively painless. This book, and the knowledge it has helped me to attain, has left me interested in learning more about XHTML, CSS, and possibly some programming. This book is definitely for beginners, I don't know how useful it would be for someone with a knowledge of XHTML, and I'm pretty sure that it wouldn't be useful to someone who already knows some CSS, since it really just touches on style sheets. But, as I said, it is a perfect book for beginners.

Sams Teach Yourself HTML and CSS in 24 Hours has not only refreshed me on the ins and outs of XHTML but also given me a great introduction to CSS and how it works and is put to good use. If you are looking to start making web pages with HTML and CSS this is definitly the first place you should look. The book dips first into the basics of XTHML (and HTML -- basically the same thing.)Later, it moves to Cascading Style Sheets and really educates you on how they can be used effectively and efficiently, without overdoing it super quick. If you are new to web design, this book is for you. Buy this book!!!!!

As an IT professional that has built and maintained personal web sites for several years, I decided I needed to better understand what I was doing. I have used Front page for years to build the basic structure of my web pages, then venturing into the HTML to modify and add functionality. I never have taken a class or read any other books on HTML, if I got stuck, I would do a search and find a solution. Before purchasing this book I would not say I was a beginner, but I also knew my skill level was not that of an expert. Authors of how to books must decided who they are writing for. In this case the authors chose to write to beginners, a category I don't personally fit neatly into. Each chapter is about twenty pages long and includes Q & A, quiz, and exercise sections. Each hour is intended to take an hour to read and complete the quizzes and exercises. However since I am not a beginner I find many sections require much less time. I don't feed the need to practice inserting an image onto a page when I already can accomplish the task. But if I can already do the task, why read the hour? Well for starters, I'm not skillful enough to assume I know anything beyond the basics. Not only that, this book is teaching XHTML when and where it can. I may know how to insert an image, but making the code XHTML compliant is not something I was previously aware of. Not only can I add an image, but now I can easily explain the whys and hows to others if they should ask. As I progressed through the hours, the subjects got more complex. Even so the chapters where presented and the subjects explained in an easy to understand manner. Each progressive hour builds on the previous ones, however if I wanted to, I could skip ahead to a different chapter and still be able to understand the lesson. If you are a total beginner to HTML and CSS, this is the book to get. If you are not quite a beginner like I was, this book will take you to the next level. If you are an expert looking to brush up on your skills, look elsewhere. An expert may learn a thing or two from this book, but it is clearly not written for experts. As for me, I have no doubt this book has helped be become a better web master. PROS: Very well written and structured in a way that promotes learning In-depth discussions of CSS Thorough list of subject matter Worth every cent I paid and then some Improved my skill level CONS: I didn't get this book sooner

This book packs a TON of helpful information in 500+ pages, and does it in a way that anyone can learn from. The tutorial-like 1 hour lessons are perfect: 1. The book gives you a practical example to learn from, 2. They do not simply give you step-by-step instructions on how to the example and call it a lesson. The author explains everything he is doing so you can readily apply it to what you are working on for your site. 3. This author does a good job of "mind-reading" in that as you're looking at an example, he anticipates the parts that will look confusing to someone who does not know this material and lets you know what's going on. Simply put, as the title implies, this book does a great job of teaching you HTML and giving you a solid foundation in CSS allowing you to take it further on your own. And it does all this in a GREAT value of a book. Although I would have liked to see another full chapter dedicated to layout using CSS, I'm really only saying that because I'm learning much more about it now, and how much more you can do with it. What the author does give is more than enough to get anyone started, and that's what's important.

Unlike many other topics in the computer world, there are a lot of options out there on the real-life and virtual bookshelfs for learning HTML. So instead of talking about what this book HAS, I think the better approach to explain why THIS book is a great option for learning both of these topics. #1 Price - At this low retail price, you won't find many books that contain this much information (over 550 pages) for so little money. Many books out there will provide lots of the same information, but not for the bargain basement deal you will get with this text. #2 Writing - SAMS has always been known for a great writing style. Splitting up sections into logical parts that make reading and learning easier for the reader, this book is structured in a great way for any person to learn from. #3 Content - Most books will cover HTML and touch upon CSS, but few focus on it like this one does. Relating to bang for the buck, this book goes above and beyond what others do, going into great detail. #4 Proven - With this being the 7th Edition, there is a reason why this book is around after so many years. They don't print a 2nd or even a 3rd edition unless sales are brisk enough to warrant it, so this alone should tell you that you aren't the first person to decide to try and learn HTML and CSS from SAMS Publishing. The only downside? to this book is it's not aimed at experienced developers. If you already know HTML and CSS, you should pick up a more advanced book that covers things outside of the basics that this book does. Aimed at newcomers and amateurs, this book does what it says it does, and you WILL learn these topics in no time at all!! ***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED