Reviews for Build Your Own Website The Right Way Using HTML & CSS

1. Very Useful

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, April 12th, 2010

   I found this book very useful - and very usable. It's written clearly in an attractively informal style. Most importantly, it works. I've used computer books in the past that contained errors - and that can be frustrating. I had no such moments with this book.
   
   I had a little background in HTML before I started, but not a lot. I went through the main chapters in this book in about five days, and that allowed me to produce a reasonably sophisticated amateur website. (The author gives pointers to building more complicated sites, but admits they demand expertise that's generally beyond the scope of his book.)
   
   I suppose the book might be criticised a little for containing too much 'hand-holding' - the author walks you though every point in considerable detail and there's a fair amount of re-cycling and repetition of information - but I was generally happy with that. I'd much rather have a book that's too careful than one that's slip-shod in its exposition.
   
   I ought to mention that the book teaches the strict version of XHTML 1.0, rather than HTML 4.0 or other extant flavours. I'm not unhappy with that, but I didn't notice a statement to that effect here on Amazon before I ordered, so it's worth knowing if you happen to want to learn another version of HTML instead.
   
   Finally, I should point out that the book isn't a comprehensive description of XHTML. However, it was a very good place to start and the selective approach meant I didn't get bogged down in excessive detail while I was still learning. I recommend this book to anyone who, like me, is new to building web-sites.

2. Good book but very 'chatty'

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, March 12nd, 2010

   This book is good but it takes awhile for the author to get his point across. I'd recommend this book to people who are very new to coding and have no prior knowledge in it as the author compares the coding to everyday examples to help the reader relate to the topic. This is interesting to begin with but sometimes you just want a simple explaination as to why something happens and then move on rather than reading a whole page to explain a small thing. I think the book could easily be half it's size if it wasn't so chatty. Never the less the book is very good at giving a step by step account on how to make a good website in HTML and css. I'd recommend all site point books because they're great for learning new topics.

3. A feast of skillful Imparting of website design.

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, February 12rd, 2010

   I am enjoying this book so much that I know I am going to be sorry when it's finished. I am only half way through but already I am feeling confident about the future and designing websites of my own. I had a small experience of failed starts with learning html previously by other means but even for the absolutely new beginner this is the book to use. - no hesitation in recommending it to anybody - Austin O' Byrne

4. Very good beginners book

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, January 12th, 2010

   A very good book for beginners and interesting to read with various opportunities to explore what has been given. As it has to cover a very broad range of tools etc. it comes out well. There are some instances where the coding could be explained a bit more but the source code of the example webpages is available from the sitepoint website. Overall I would definitely recommend this book.

5. The Cover Says it All ...

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, October 12th, 2009

   ... well almost, perhaps it should also include the words accessible, systematic and understandable. For a relative novice, with little or no experience of html or css, this is an excellent introduction. The way in which the author structures and communicates ideas makes it a pleasure to work through. Online support is also useful.
   
   If you already know a deal about mark up and styling then this is possibly not for you, but otherwise, a terrific buy!