, but I found it only through trial-and-error, not through insight gained from this book. This book needs a chapter on CSS style equivalents to HTML style tags, in more detail than the "CSS in Action" chapter.

Perhaps the problem is that I'm working with the latest versions of the Mozilla and Opera browsers, both of which support CSS2. Unfortunately, this book explains only CSS1, and provides one short chapter in the back on the differences between CSS1 and CSS2. Because CSS2 browsers are becoming popular, CSS2 is what should be described through the book, and differences in CSS1 should be explained as they come up, not in a chapter in the back.

On the positive side, the book does seem to provide enough information that if you memorize the important parts, dig hard, and experiment a lot, you can eventually figure out how to get CSS to do what you want. I hope the second edition makes this memorization, digging, and experimentation a lot easier.

---

Rating: - Misled Purchase from On-line comments
There were lots of great comments on this book on how wonderful it was. Based on those comments, I purchased the book at a local bookstore.

Using Dreamweaver as my design tool, I thought there might be a book where I can learn more about CSS. I already own a couple of good books, but they are light on CSS, and nothing is indexed. I was hoping this book was a 'reference' on every CSS property for CSS1 & CSS2 with a variety of examples. That is exactly what Eric Meyer's book fails to deliver.

For new authors, this book will get you started into the wondeful world of using style sheets - Eric delivers his examples with clear dictation in an editorial style. It's an excellent starting point with good examples and solid explainations on how CSS works.

If you are like me however, an experienced webguy, pass on this book. It does not have a complete list of EVERY CSS property, nor are the examples given robust. The book is written in editorial format, flowing from one topic to the next without really getting into the meat of CSS. It's as if Eric wanted to say something on everything, but in doing so, he limited is ability to offer in-depth explainations of each property and it's power/flexibility.

To sum up, yes, this book is a good tutorial, but NOT a definitive guide. Maybe Eric should of called it the CSS: Definitive Starting Guide To Get You Going. Next time, I'll actually take time to skim through the book at my local computer book store.

N.B. Are all these praises for this book from the author, publisher, or friends of the author to help sell the book? I have my suspicions because a lot of the comments sound 'canned'. Hopefully my review gets published to prove this is not the case.

EVR.

---

Rating: - Great CSS Book for everyone
I'd certainly recommend this book to any web designer, from beginner to advanced. It contains plenty of examples to help you through the tricky parts, but is also great as a reference book. My wife originally bought this book for herself, but I opened the parcel and read it for her. I just consider myself very considerate.

---

Rating: - This is my go-to reference
IMO, Mr. Meyer has done a good job explaining and showing CSS parameters. He has lots of examples with pictures depicting the results of the code. The book also indicates which styles are applicable to NS and/or IE and how well they work in each browser. There is a comprehensive appendix in the back listing the different styles and their attributes, as well as a good index. As a semi-experienced CSS user, I found it very helpful and informative. I think there are enough tips and tricks for the experienced CSS'er as well as enough explanation and example for the beginning CSS user.

The book sits within easy reach on my bookshelf, and I refer to it frequently. (I think I need to get another copy for work so I can take this copy back home!)