Rating:  - A book on CSS principles, not a CSS cookbook
Meyer's book is addressed to web site designers who want a more thorough understanding of the principles underlying CSS. It presupposes some practical familiarity with (X)HTML and prior exposure to CSS. This should probably not be a first book on CSS. And look elsewhere if you're interested in a cookbook approach to design.
Meyer understands the complexities of CSS and has considerable experience with it, which makes this among the more useful books on the subject. Read this book if you want element by element, tag by tag discussion of CSS. Among other things, you will come away with a better understanding of the cascade, the box model, margins and padding, lists, and the differences between block and inline elements. Your coding is also likely to be cleaner. But if what you want is specific design tips for something like a three column layout with masthead and footer, you need a different book.
Things move so quickly in web design that by the time a book reaches the shelf, it almost invariably has a slightly dated feel to it. That's the case here, accentuated perhaps by the less than thorough content and organizational editing this book apparently received from O'Reilly Media. Its organization is too loose, and at times it is not readily apparent why some topics are placed where they are. Meyer also has a tendency to use certain phrases or style devices repetitively, which is at times only annoying but also sometimes frustrating.
That said, however, Meyer's book can help make the difference between really understanding CSS and just being able to use it. I learned a number of things that I was able to apply immediately and expect I will find more in Meyer's book as I return to it as a reference, which may be the best way to use it.
Rating:  - An absolute must for all web designers
If you're interested in throwing away tables and progressing into using XHTML and CSS for web design, this is an essential reference. It can be read cover to cover and in typical Meyer style, is easy to read and very simple to understand. I'd recommend pairing this with 'Eric Meyer on CSS' and 'More Eric Meyer on CSS'. This will act as a reference for the actual code whilst Meyer's other books walk you through actually using CSS in a variety of different ways. I keep this book on hand constantly while I'm working.
Rating:  - Second edition can really use proofreading
I worked through the first edition four years ago, and found the book to be very easily followed. I realize the specification has changed, and that the syntax (selectors, mostly) has become somewhat more complicated. AND that the issues revolving around using markup for layout (tables vs. div tags, mostly) have yet to be resolved (and, perhaps, have become MORE complicated rather than less so, due to XML), BUT... the second edition could have been improved with perhaps ONE more rewrite and some proofreading. I realize Mr. Meyer is a busy man, but he could have taken a bit more time updating this franchise.
Rating: - Definitive [Startup] Guide
I won't try to waste too much time here. Other reviewers have groused over this book quite enough. Please take the time to go to an actual bookstore, pick up the actual book, and actually skim through it before purchasing. Look at the table of contents. Crack your walnut reading a few paragraphs...
That said, let's look at this book. The only thing missing from its title is "startup". If you're new to the CSS2 standard, this is a great place to start. I will agree with others about the book's page layout- figures should be located closer to the text tied to that illustration. Having to flip forward and back to get a concept is annoying.
Content-wise, I think Meyer points out the relevant shortcomings of IE (and he never even mentions the gaping security holes) and its inability to properly render your CSS2 layout. So download Mozilla. Put a "Mozilla Only" disclaimer on your site and go about your business!
I bought this book to familiarize myself with the box model and at least some of the available properties and values thereof. This book did a great job of introducing me to the box model, positioning, and such. Yes, this is a book for noobs, but if you've got to start somewhere, this is a great source. Also, check out Eric's site, which has some really great tips and tricks on it. And cssplay.co.uk has some really neat things you can try once you master that box model. And no, I'm not related to Eric. No, I do not hold any stock in O'Reilly Press. I just think this book is a great starting point.
Rating: - Good book
I purchased this book for a CSS class that I was taking. The book is good, it does cover a lot of information. I found that it was not the only book that I was using. I had an old HTML book that I used for reference more often then not. It is one that I liked for things like Color codes. The CSS book does not reference these, and if it does, it is not that easy to find.
Agian it is a very good book, but not the only one that you should have for reference.
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