Review of the Book: HTML and CSS – Design and Build Websites
Mastering HTML and CSS is the essential first step for anyone looking to build websites from scratch.
If you’re new to web development, you might be searching for the perfect book to help you learn the necessary skills.
In this post, I’m reviewing my favorite introductory web development book, HTML & CSS: Design and Build Websites by Jon Duckett, which is available on Amazon.
This book has been my reliable guide for a long time, and I only wish I had discovered it at the beginning of my web development journey!
If you’re seeking the best book to learn HTML and CSS basics and beyond, keep reading!
First Impression: Engaging, Beautiful Layout
The first thing that stands out about this book is not only its excellent content but also its attractive design. As I flipped through it, I was impressed by the clean and well-organized layout of each page. It’s not cluttered, very easy to read, and makes good use of visual elements to explain certain topics.
Priced between $15 and $25, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn the basics of creating websites from scratch. It serves as a great reference and “dictionary” for HTML and CSS. My first impression: it’s a great value for the money.
In the realm of web development books, it’s a breath of fresh air. The appealing layout makes it approachable, especially for those who aren’t keen on dense technical jargon and dull code examples.
So far, it’s been great!
Who Is This HTML And CSS Book For?
This book is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to learn HTML and CSS from the ground up. Even if you’re already familiar with HTML and CSS, it serves as a valuable reference to have on your shelf. As mentioned earlier, the book is well-structured for both beginners and more advanced developers.
If you are new to web development and aim to build a website for yourself or pursue a career as a professional web developer, this book covers all the essentials of HTML and CSS. Furthermore, if you manage a website using a CMS like WordPress, learning HTML and CSS will provide you with greater control over your site’s content and design.
When I started reading this book, I was also enrolled in an online HTML and CSS course on Udemy.
So, why get the book as well?
Because I appreciate having a tangible resource for learning. It’s often easier to find specific information in a book than to search for a timestamp in a video lecture.
What Does The Book Include?
Part #1: HTML & CSS
The first half of the book focuses on the fundamental building block of the Web: HTML. You will learn how to create and structure the content for your websites. The second half of the book then delves into CSS, teaching you how to style and format your HTML content. Essentially, you will learn how to design visually appealing and user-friendly websites from scratch.
Later in the book, there is a short chapter on the new web page elements of HTML5. It’s an excellent introduction to what we can expect to become a standard in the future.
If you’re not yet familiar with these topics, you can check out my previous posts about learning HTML basics and CSS fundamentals to get you started.
Part #2: Process & Design
At the conclusion of the book, there is a comprehensive chapter dedicated to guiding you through the process of undertaking a website project. It covers effective planning strategies and offers insights into better understanding your target audience.
This chapter is particularly beneficial for those new to creating impressive web experiences. It essentially teaches you how to develop a successful, professional website that will help you meet your objectives
Part #3: Practical Information Chapter
In the final chapter of the book, you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of another trending topic: Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This section will guide you on using analytics to understand your website visitors’ behavior and explain how to publish your site online.
Overall, although the book is a few years old, its content remains largely relevant and up-to-date.
However, one notable omission is the lack of lessons on responsive web design, which is crucial for modern website creation.
What I loved about this HTML and CSS book
1: Colorful Design and Images
I’m a very visual learner, especially when it comes to coding. Many HTML and CSS books lack visual appeal, often filled with dense text and minimal imagery. This is likely due to the cost of printing in color on high-quality paper, which makes books more expensive to produce.
However, this HTML and CSS book stands out with its bright, colorful, full-page images. These images serve as demonstrations, examples, and summaries of specific topics. Whenever you need a visual reference, this book provides it, making the learning process more engaging and enjoyable.
10 points for images!
2: Practical Real-World Examples
The book is filled with real-world examples of websites and layouts. This practical approach helps you see exactly what you can create with HTML and CSS, making the concepts more tangible and easier to understand.
3: Visually Appealing, Airy Layout
Many coding books cram text into every inch of the page, leaving no margins or white space and using uniform typography throughout. This can make the material difficult to read and overwhelming.
This book, however, breaks away from that pattern with a layout that’s spacious and easy on the eyes. Each page has plenty of white space, and the content is broken down into manageable sections. This not only makes it easier to read but also gives you a sense of progress, as you’re not bogged down by dense text on every page.
While it’s important not to waste page space, the thoughtful layout of this book shows that a well-designed page can enhance the learning experience. Each page focuses on a single topic, making it easy to navigate and stay focused.
4: Thorough, Detailed Explanations
This book provides thorough and detailed explanations of commands and terminology. Unlike online courses that can be overwhelming with tech jargon and new terms in video lectures, a book allows you to take your time with new material. You can re-read sections, review concepts, and refer back to information as needed.
Without the need to search for specific timestamps in video lectures, you save time and can focus on learning and achieving your goals. This book’s clear and detailed approach makes it a valuable resource for mastering HTML and CSS.
Review Summary: HTML and CSS Design and Build Websites
By now it’s quite obvious that I’m a big fan of this book. I just find it difficult to get your hands on a visually appealing web development book – until now. Only few tech-related books would make it to my coffee table, but this one is definitely likely to end up just there.
In short, it’s a book I enjoyed picking up over and over again, reading, and coming back to later. It manages to explain technical topics using engaging and attractive visual elements without compromising the educational quality of the actual contents.
Is this HTML and CSS book for you?
If you’re venturing into web development and have already covered some HTML and CSS basics through a free online course, you’re probably seeking top-notch resources to further your education. This book will advance your skills and knowledge, serving as a comprehensive guide for continuous learning.
If you already grasp HTML and CSS fundamentals but need a reliable reference to refresh your skills, this book is perfect. While both languages are relatively straightforward to learn, mastering them can pose challenges. This book serves as an invaluable resource for ongoing improvement.
Despite its accessible layout, this beginner-friendly book is rich in valuable information. Even if you’re starting from scratch with HTML and CSS, reading this book cover to cover will equip you to build real-world websites. (Trust me, it’s a gem!)
For those who appreciate high-quality, visually appealing web development guides, this HTML and CSS manual is an excellent pick.
At just $30, you’ll acquire skills that could lead to new career paths or the flexibility of freelancing as a web developer.
The only regret I have about buying this book, if I’m honest, is not getting it sooner when I began learning HTML and CSS.
This book is an essential companion for anyone learning HTML and CSS online.
Believe me, having a tangible reference makes learning much easier. It’s invaluable for reviewing and reinforcing what you’ve learned.
When you’re ready, head over to Amazon to grab your copy.
Share your experience with me in the comments below! I’m eager to hear your thoughts on the book too!
Best of luck and enjoy your journey!