Reviews for DHTML Utopia: Modern Web Design Using JavaScript & DOM

1. Definitely not for beginners, but a great asset to have if you have some knowledge with Javascript.

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, July 12th, 2007

   It's true that the author uses HTML 4.01 over XHTML but he has a very good reason for doing so, he mentions why he has opted this choice, it's to do with upgrade issues to the scripts you will make.
   
   This book is not for beginners of Javascript, it won't explain what functions, objects, properties or values are. It won't explain what a statement is, or best practices for naming functions and variables. However, if you have already used Javascript to some degree, and you understand the basics, it will teach you in a simple and easy way. You will learn to build scripts that are standards compliant, work cross browser, and easily upgradeable for future projects.
   
   Being a beginner of Javascript myself, I'm finding it difficult to wade through the book, but only because I'm having difficulty remembering how to write basic Javascript.

2. OK before the advent of jQuery

   Rated 2 out of 5 stars, February 12nd, 2007

   The book is OK, but I can't say that I learnt a great deal from it. For starters I was not too happy that the author dislikes XHTML, preferring standard HTML, then a lot of his examples contained non-standard HTML elements. To be fair: he does mention this where he does it, but that still doesn't excuse the crime.
   Seems like there's a lot of places where the chapters could have factored-out some of the repetive sections (duplication) of code, as well.
   Personally, I'd just use jQuery for most of what can be achieved with this book.

3. Not for beginners

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, September 12th, 2006

   Stuart Langridge is highly regarded in javascript circles. This book though is not for beginners.

4. November 2005 Edition is great...

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, June 12th, 2006

   When I ordered through Amazon I wound up getting the November 2005 edition of this book which had no typos or errata, unlike the report by a previous poster here.
   
   Being already pretty familiar with JavaScript and its day to day usage, this book opened my eyes to many other possibile uses, as well as giving me a glimpse as to the power and usefulness of Ajax (which is covered in one chapter).
   
   This book is great for updating your skills and learning modern JavaScript programming, without the old hacks that many of use learned and continued using over the years.
   
   Bottom line: The book is practical, best-practice, and I found the examples easy to follow.

5. Great introduction to DHTML - BUT...

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, October 12th, 2005

   I'm just up to Chapter 4 of this book. Its a great introduction to modern, unobtrusive DHTML, probably the best at this moment in time - however...like so many technical books the editors need a kick up the soft bit as there are so many errors that could trip you up. See the ever expanding errata http://www.sitepoint.com/books/dhtml1/errata.php