XHTML Books

The title of Dennis Gaskill's book, _Web Site Design Made Easy_, says it all. He did his best to make it easy to grasp the concepts, and he succeeded. He wanted students and do-it-yourself web designers to understand how to create web pages using CSS and (X)HTML coding rather than relying on tables to position page elements on their web sites. The old style of using tables to control the visual appearance of web pages is now self-defeating.

Web designers ignoring CSS simply don't realize its importance. Whether they're coding for their own "Web Dreams" or for clients, designers dismissing CSS's significance do so at their own peril. Now that browsers embrace CSS more consistently, relying on tables rather than the somewhat more complicated CSS for (X)HTML layout is foolhardy.

Why?

Because of the magic word "Accessibility." A lot of folks don't realize that search engine robots (can you say, "Google"?) read (X)HTML code the same way assistive technologies do. Robots "read," they don't "see."

CSS allows you to create visually pleasing web pages which are optimized for search engines and assistive technologies. What more could you ask for? That's why CSS is a dream come true for Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

In addition, user agents (e.g., browsers, screen readers, handhelds, cell phones, etc.) can "read" your site more easily if you employ CSS and (X)HTML to create valid, well-formed (i.e., well-structured), accessible web sites for them.

More and more folks are interacting with the Internet without using a personal computer. They're using many different types of user agents. They won't, and sometimes can't, visit your site if your coding doesn't make them welcome.

Don't turn away traffic because you think CSS is too hard. It's not, Dennis made it easy. His books are used as classroom texts in high schools, colleges, and tech schools all over this country. He wrote _Web Site Design Made Easy_ specifically to TEACH students and do-it-yourself learners. He wants to help you help yourself succeed as a designer. And you can, with his help.

The Preface explains that nothing other than an understanding of how to use the Internet is expected of you. Dennis will show you, in easy steps, how to create a web site. "...This book mainly focuses on teaching HTML coding and formatting using CSS, utilizing both IBM Windows and Macintosh. Other areas are touched upon, but these basic skills will carry your student a long way toward their goal of website design...."

Contents:

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Internet and Web Design
Chapter 2: An Overview of HTML, XHTML, and CSS
Chapter 3: HTML Kick-start
Chapter 4: CSS Kick-start
Chapter 5: Text Formatting
Chapter 6: Applying Styles to Text Elements
Chapter 7: Applying Styles to Other Elements
Chapter 8: Color, Backgrounds, and Images
Chapter 9: Links and Multimedia
Chapter 10: Creating Lists
Chapter 11: Tables
Chapter 12: Frames
Chapter 13: Forms
Chapter 14: Creating an XHTML Document
Chapter 15: Good Design
Chapter 16: Publishing Your Web Site
Chapter 17: An Overview of Other Technologies
Chapter 18: Bonus Chapter
Appendix A: HTML and XHTML Charts
Appendix B: Cascading Style Sheets Charts
Appendix C: Color Charts
Appendix D: ASCII Character Chart
Appendix E: Troubleshooting
Glossary
Index

I've been visiting Dennis's BoogieJack web site since 1999. I enjoy his monthly low-key e-zine, Almost A Newsletter. I own two of his books, plus our library's Branch Manager bought two of his books for our library. So, yeah, I'm biased. But that doesn't change the fact that he's a great teacher who knows what he's teaching and makes it fun while he's doing it.

_Web Site Design Made Easy_ is definitely worth five stars from gobbysreviews. Buy a copy today and ENJOY!

gobby
Book Reviewer at Marathon Branch Library (Retired)

I bought this book as a text book for a college course that I was taking. Text books have a tendancy to be dry and boring, however, I found this book to be humorous. The lessons teach you step by step how to build a website. You can find inserts in the book that teach you advanced material based off of the basics that are given in the previous chapters.

There are references to the authors website in the book. The website is a great companion to the book, there is a lot of knowledge on his website as well.

Have fun programing!

This is a great how-to book for web design. Easy to read with wonderful graphics. It takes you though the basics into advanced designs. It assumes that you are a novice, with all the details included. However, experienced web designers would benefit from this book if they have only used canned software. Gaskill's details will help you to customize your design. I actually started with his first book many years ago in my quest to designing a better web page.

This level was better than the first level. Lots of CSS examples and advanced topics. The first level is good for the novice web designer. Together its a good learning combo.

Great examples that anyone can use to create nice styles. I used a portion of this book in a course and it did very well.

This is a very no-nonsense approach to building web pages. It's an excellent guide if you know what you want to put on your page but are mystified about the HTML codes to use to produce the effects you're looking for. This book even includes a guide on how to incorporate multi-media on your webpage. This is the best book I have read thus far on the subject.

After reviewing countless of books on web designing, I have finally found one of the most informative and easy to read books on HTML. Within the first couple of days, I quickly and easily created a very attractive website. If the reader follows the steps as outlined in the book I can assure you he will walk away with with a working knowledge of HTML. This is a must read for anyone interested in learning how to design web sites. The author definitely makes learning fun.

The great thing about this book is that all the tasks are broken down into (mostly) two-page sections and the organization lends itself to being a great reference book.

PLUS - the information is current and easy to follow.

highly recommended for any web developer.

This is a really great book for learning XHTML, CSS, and related web technologies. I like how comprehensive it is, covering topics that are mostly ignored by other HTML books like search engines, CSS hacks, and common pitfalls. Jam packed with very useful, well presented, and up to date information, you will get your moneys worth on this one.

What I like about this book is the building approach used. I teach html and web design. Rob's layout allows me to quickly find information needed for classroom work and show the students how and why it works. I will have this book with me in the classroom from now on as an easy to use reference, not only for me but students to.
Mel Rose

"the layout of Felke-Morris's text is excellent. I have always
disliked texts with crowded pages, distracting sidebars, and many colors. Felke-Morris' text focuses the student on salient content and uses color, text boxes, and the like to enhance and emphasize, rather than distract. Felke-Morris' hands-on exercises are something my current text does not even have. I really like these exercises because they give
students a chance to learn and practice small chunks of material before applying the knowledge to a larger project."
-Elizabeth Drake
Santa Fe Community College

"Great coverage of web accessibility standards! Glad to see a tutorial on File Management. Many students coming into this course struggle with those
concepts."
Anita Philipp
Oklahoma City Community College


"Great inclusion of ethical issues and accessibility tips (these are areas that I do find myself supplementing with our current text)."
Joyce M. Dick, Northeast Iowa Community College

"Superior aspects of Felke-Morris include:
--Inclusion of web site pages and/or addresses that have been referred
to in the text as either examples of techniques, or places to find more information, or used as a part of the end-of-chapter section on Web Research. These are a real strong point of the text.
--Use of the same four example sites through the text as end-of-chapter Cases. As each chapter is completed, each site is enhanced using the current chapter's skills and concepts.
--The inclusion of Hands-On Practice and Web Research sections."

Cindy Mortensen
Truckee Meadows Community College

This book will get you started on coding web pages using XHTML and CSS, using CSS for page layout, promoting web pages, introduce using Flash and Java applets, and give you an overview of e-commerce. A great book for a beginner web developer. We use this in a community college course for both online and face-to-face classes. The students really like the hands-on approach with exercises and case studies. There is a CD with extra tutorials and references, too.

This is a good book, albeit somewhat misnamed--it should be called "Web Development and Management." The first part of the book reviews XHTML, HTML, XML and CSS and their role in Web development--this is great information and is the first thing I've read that clearly outlines how all of this fits together. The second part provides a lot of information for managing web projects--everything from site and application design approaches to understanding how to deal with technical issues like making pages load quickly and designing for various browsers. There is a lot of valuable information here. The last part reviews CGI processing on servers and outlines many of the tools available for developing web applications, for content and site management (link checkers, performance monitors etc.)--all really useful, although some of the content will be somewhat out of date. Fortunately, the book web site seems to have been updated and contains other information including an extremely useful online reference page.

The author really knows how to transmit the subject matter to his audiance. I was really impressed by his approach. He begins by creating a big picture and then proceeds to show you how each element fits into the whole scheme of things. This is all done in simple straight-forward english. I strongly recommend the book to both beginners and inter-mediate web developers. This one is a keeper.

As with any project, planning is essential before typing the first keystroke. In the first four chapters, Mr. Fish takes you through an essential process of designing a church website, who the intended audience is, and what elements are useful to someone visiting the site. At the end of chapter 4, you should have a good design on paper including a well thought-out mission statement. This information alone is enough to justify the cost of the book.

The next section delves into actual HTML code with appropriate examples and exercises. Later on, Mr. Fish discusses dynamic content using ASP (nothing wrong with that) hooked up to a Access database. Although the examples use Microsoft technology, the concepts are the same for any scripting/database combination.

Finally, Mr. Fish gives advice for ongoing maintenance to the site, including training other people, handling special requests such as streaming audio, large photos, etc. This is where the "real" work begins.

It is clear Timothy Fish has thought about Church Website Design. In his book, he states that a reasonable website can be made for as little as $100 per year. With his recommendations, I believe this to be true.

A good reference to have around.

This was my classroom text book the semester I took HTML. It's great. HOWEVER: make sure you get the reference manual. And if you don't, don't settle for a $2 refund. The reference manual is worth $20 at least.

I have been in the web design arena for over five years and I am always looking for new book to enhance my knowledge base. I am also an instructor and also I am looking for book to make my classes better. This book covers both objectives and makes learning easier in the process.

Starting off the 440 page book is the basics of both HTML and XHTML with using and working with body text, headings and images. Working with links and URLs through relative and absolute references is next on the list of topics covered.

There is a very good section for the use of and creation of CSS both internal and external sheets. Tables, lists, forms and Frames take up the next several chapters with techniques to make the work easier and save time.

Then comes client side scripting, adding sights and sounds through different multimedia techniques. I was very impressed with the meta tag and search engine use sections. The book goes in a step-by-step instruction method with screen shots, notes and tips to help along the way.

The book comes with four projects that when completed will give you a much greater understanding of the world of web design. Also included is a cd-rom with practice files and with everything together you have a very complete package to work with.

This book is fantastic! Clear and concise, this book will walk you through XHTML and basic Javascript from beginner to power user. The chapter review questions genuinely challenge and reinforce the lessons, and the projects add experience without tedium. I learned a great deal from this book. Recommended.