Tired of reading HTML books that only make sense after you're an expert? Then it's about time you picked up Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML and really learned HTML. You want to learn HTML so you can finally create those web pages you've always wanted, so you can communicate more effectively with friends, family, fans, and fanatic customers. You also want to do it right so you can actually maintain and expand your Web pages over time, and so your web pages work in all the browsers and mobile devices out there. Oh, and if you've never heard of CSS, that's okay - we won't tell anyone you're still partying like it's 1999 - but if you're going to create Web pages in the 21st century then you'll want to know and understand CSS.

Learn the real secrets of creating Web pages, and why everything your boss told you about HTML tables is probably wrong (and what to do instead). Most importantly, hold your own with your co-worker (and impress cocktail party guests) when he casually mentions how his HTML is now strict, and his CSS is in an external style sheet.

With Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML, you'll avoid the embarrassment of thinking web-safe colors still matter, and the foolishness of slipping a font tag into your pages. Best of all, you'll learn HTML and CSS in a way that won't put you to sleep. If you've read a Head First book, you know what to expect: a visually-rich format designed for the way your brain works. Using the latest research in neurobiology, cognitive science, and learning theory, this book will load HTML, CSS, and XHTML into your brain in a way that sticks.

So what are you waiting for? Leave those other dusty books behind and come join us in Webville. Your tour is about to begin.

"Elegant design is at the core of every chapter here, each concept conveyed with equal doses of pragmatism and wit." --Ken Goldstein, Executive Vice President, Disney Online

"This book is a thoroughly modern introduction to forward-looking practices in web page markup and presentation." --Danny Goodman, author of Dynamic HTML: The Definitive Guide

"What used to be a long trial and error learning process has now been reduced neatly into an engaging paperback." --Mike Davidson, CEO, Newsvine, Inc.

"I love Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML--it teaches you everything you need to learn in a 'fun coated' format!" --Sally Applin, UI Designer and Artist

"I haven't had as much fun reading a book (other than Harry Potter) in years. And your book finally helped me break out of my hapless so-last-century way of creating web pages." --Professor David M. Arnow, Department of Computer and Information Science, Brooklyn College

"If you've ever had a family member who wanted you to design a website for them, buy them Head First HTML with CSS and XHTML. If you've ever asked a family member to design you a web site, buy this book. If you've ever bought an HTML book and ended up using it to level your desk, or for kindling on a cold winter day, buy this book. This is the book you've been waiting for. This is the learning system you've been waiting for." --Warren Kelly, Blogcritics.org

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 301 Ratings

Great for Beginners to Novices - 2009-12-31
Reviewer Rating:
While I took issue with the Head First PHP MySQL book, I gave this book on (X)HTML and CSS a chance and couldn't be happier. Over a break from school I flew through this book and feel like I really understand and can recall most of the information. While it starts with HTML 4.01 and some seemingly childish metaphors that may bore you, if you go through the entire book it will all fall into place. I was having a hard time learning CSS on my own and the DOCTYPE stuff with the HTML was something I just couldn't figure out. This takes all of the thinking out of it by simply explaining that "You do this once, and then copy/pasta into your documents as you go".
Something I was worried about was being required to follow the examples as I went through. If you don't feel like downloading and messing around with their example sites (which are VERY good, by the way), it's easy enough to create a simple personal webpage (I put a CV, links to my twitter, things a potential employer might be interested in) and just follow along.

The short of it: This book is definitely for someone with minimal web design experience. If you don't know the difference between a div and a span, or what an element is. If you have never looked at a stylesheet or still are not sure what the cascade is. If you want to feel like someone is teaching you personally, this recreates the effect very well. You'll learn the very bottom-basics about XHTML and web standards and CSS, then move up to designing professional looking web pages in the vein of corporate america as well as hip, chic small businesses. This book will get you up to speed quickly and correctly.

Very informative! - 2010-01-11
Reviewer Rating:
This is my first book from the Head First line and it will not be my last. They do an excellent job of translating all the techno stuff to more layman's terms. I considered myself to be decent with HTML before I bought this book, but even this book taught me things I never really knew and I was surprised at that. I would recommend this book for beginners but even if you think you know it all this book might surprise you.

Amazing - 2009-12-29
Reviewer Rating:
I was 100% sure I would not be able to read this book without falling asleep. WRONG! Tremendous book. Ultra well organized for learning from scratch. A book for beginners, although an advanced user could get through it quickly and learn something. Highest possible rating!!!!

Best Shortcut to Inherent Knowledge of CSS - 2009-12-27
Reviewer Rating:
I am an old designer dog that learned HTML by viewing other's source code way back in 1995. Then the web evolved and new tricks needed to be learned. Tables and spacer gifs made sense in a twisted design workaround, but CSS was my waterloo. It would not stick to my teflon brain... until I stumbled upon this book... (originally, in online form as an inducement to subscribing to a service). Once I realized how invaluable it was to my understanding of all things HTML and CSS, I made a beeline to Amazon for the deadtree version. I sat down the day it arrived and read it straight through. The style of teaching fundamentals is fun, playful, and extremely edifying - without making your brain bleed. I dare say, I filled in some gaps in my own old school DIY HTML know-how. You won't know you're learning and grasping and grokking the whole enchilada. This book is devious and wonderful in that way. I could go on and on, better yet, stop reading this, get yourself a copy and become a better web designer overnight. Then you can play with us Big Dogs!

great book - 2010-01-31
Reviewer Rating:
I'm very much a beginner when it comes to HTML, and this book was really good for me.

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