Rating: 
Summary: Difficult, but good
Review: After a trying a bunch of other books, this was the one that totally changed the way I worked in Photoshop and taught me the most, but it's very difficult and highly technical. If you're the type that can wade through that kind of stuff, the concepts are golden. It isn't a text to learn Photoshop, though--it's written to help only with the very specific narrow area of dealing with color correction.
Rating:
Summary: It Works
Review: After reading enough books and websites on Photoshop, you'll probably come to the conclusion that all Photoshop books are the same- the techniques for color correction, color management, image sharpening, etc. Until you read this book. Many of the methods in the book is different and unconventional, not for the sake of being unconventional, but simply because it works better. And it's not just plain technique- Margulis gives adequate background for each topic for a fuller understanding (although he also has a 'Quick & Dirty' section) with his signature wit laced with generous sarcasm which makes an interesting read.
Rating:
Summary: Best Color Correction Book (Photoshop)
Review: As a photographer increasingly using digital SLRs for everyday work the learning curve to obtain correct colors is steep and often frustrating. Dan's book has made a significant difference in the way I think about color correction (see below) as well as in the tools that are now part of my arsenal. I recommend the book to everyone willing to invest the time in undertsanding color correction with Photoshop inside out; I don't recommend the book to those eager to find "quick color fixes" that can be applied in cookbook recipe fashion (there are plenty of other books for that out there).
Whether one likes Dan's style or not, there is no question that learning the techniques explained in the book will greatly improve the finished image. Among these techniques, the following are to me the most useful (and not found in other books) for pro photographers:
1. Editing in CMYK, RGB or LAB to fix specific problems that are not easy (or even possible) to fix in other color spaces---regardless of the final color space for output;
2. Plate blending (for example blending the green plate in luminosity mode to increasing modeling on a portrait);
3. Using "false" profiles to achieve desirable improvements in photos that are otherwise badly exposed---it does happen to the best photographers...
4. Learning color correction by the numbers (instead of based on what you seen on monitor) and working on overall basis rather than doing local fixes.There is definitely a reason why this books has been used (in its previous editions as well as this one) as the reference book by professionals in color correction and retouching: it is simply the best on this subject. Dan's views on certain issues (calibration, use of embedded profiles, editing in 16 bits versus 8 bits) are expressed without ambiguities and go against the "establishment". It would be a mistake not to read Dan's book just because one disagrees with Dan's views on certain issues, and--perhaps more importantly, it is certainly rather refreshing to find arguments presented with reasonable empirical evidence (which may turn out to be right or wrong, it doesn't matter) that challenge the commercial interests of many (color consultants, software makers, etc.): the 8 bits versus 16 bits editing is one of these, so is the calibration debate.
In summary, this books is the best (and probably cheapest) investment a digital photographer can make.
Rating:
Summary: Probably the best book available for PS color correction
Review: As a professional photoshop user I own many books on the subject of Photoshop color correction and retouching. I have all of Dan's books along with many more from many other authors. Professional Photoshop is by far the best book available on how to get accurate results out of Photoshop images and onto paper. It is heavily oriented toward print output, and it doesn't spend any time on special effects. It merely takes you through the intricacies of making a color photograph look the best it can. Believe me, that is hard enough. Dan is especially strong in "by the numbers" color correction, which simply means showing how to evaluate an image by color values in certain areas, and then changing those values to get great results. This is necessary to get predictable and consistant results: the mark of a true professional. Another true strength of this book is its demonstration of using all color spaces to, as much as possible, make global corrections to an image and avoid time-consuming selections. This is a book for practical, hands-on color correction. Theory is presented only if it has proven effective, there's no spin here. Dan is a master and his book is a masterpiece. I highly recommend it.
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Summary: Outstanding Book by Photoshop Hall of Famer
Review: Continuing the advanced techniques of his prior books, all a treasure. Don't understand the cons mentioned in other reviews here. Nothing old or outdated in this book. Professional Photoshop certainly explains methods and advantages of all color modes including but certainly not limited t o CMYK. Groundbreaking techniques introduced and explained in an easy to understand lighthearted manner. Many images in book available on accompaning CD, to work along with author. The book is certainly user friendly, is a must read you will visit many times. "The" book for Pre Press Retouchers and or Photographers who want the best of Color Correction - Image Manipulation, period !
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Book by Photoshop Hall of Famer
Review: Continuing the advanced techniques of his prior books, all a treasure. Don't understand the cons mentioned in other reviews here. Professional Photoshop certainly explains methods and advantages of all color modes including but certainly not limited to CMYK. Groundbreaking techniques introduced and explained in an easy to understand lighthearted manner. Many images in book available on accompaning CD, to work along with author. The book is certainly user friendly, is a must read you will visit many times. "The" book for Pre Press Retouchers and or Photographers who want the best of Color Correction - Image Manipulation, period !
Rating: 
Summary: Continuing on my search...
Review: Currently I own two PS books. One by Scott Kelby (Photoshop for digital photographers), and the other one is this one. I must say they are two extremes. The one from Scott is too simple, and he doesn't go into why you're doing something. It's more like a tips and tricks books. This book on the other hand is too much information scattered around in different chapters. I find it very confusing and difficult to read especially when the author makes unrelated examples to throw you off. I spent much time reading the chapter about writing curves but I still could not understand the correct way to write my own rather than follow his. Overall, I think this book is very un-organized which makes finding a specific topic difficult.
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Summary: The colour correction book by a Pro for Pros.
Review: Dan Margulis is a man whose vast experience is of considerable value to anyuone who is serious about image editing and/or preparing files for print. Whilst some may find that some of his concepts do not fit their own particular way of working, to ignore them would be folly of the highest order. Dan's book is about the most 'dog earned' book I have the fortune to have permanently beside my bed for inspiration. I can always be assurred of gleaning yet another 'nugget' of wisdom every time I open the pages. Yes this is the one book you should have to read and refer to now and in the future.....Dan thanks for sharing your hard won knowledge with us. Cheers
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Summary: THE Book On Color Correction
Review: Dan Margulis' Professional Photoshop series just seems to get better with each new edition. It is a Photoshop book only in the sense that it uses the power of Photoshop to apply Dan's incredibly effective and novel techniques for improving images. If you are looking for instructions on how to use the healing brush tool or make selections, then this book is not for you. This book assumes that you have a good working knowledge of Photoshop. If, however, you are working in prepress, photography, ad design, or are a graphic artist looking for ways to improve your images, then this is the only book for you. This book contains so much information that I can practically guarantee that you will not absorb it all in just one reading. It is a book I always keep close at hand when working in Photoshop. One of the many things I admire about Mr. Margulis is that, despite his vast wealth of knowledge, I sincerely believe that he still considers himself a 'student' in an endless quest for knowledge, as he is constantly refining, redefining, and inventing powerful new techniques for image enhancement. It's a journey that can be difficult for the novice, but is always immensely rewarding. And besides, the 'scenery' is spectacular. Thanks for the ride Dan.
Rating: 
Summary: "Pro"-fessional Photoshop for sure
Review: For anyone in the business of reproducing images, particularly to any kind of press or device which requires you to work in or convert to CMYK this book is a must read. If all you want to know is how to fiddle with your digicam images and get them to look good on an inkjet, then its probably overkill--although you'll still learn plenty from reading it. And if you want to learn the latest trends in profile based color management, this isn't the book. But for most folks who have to deal with real presses and real printers, Margulis's techniques on how to correct by the numbers and when to use which tools are spot on. ... This is one that we have consistently recommended to our readers who have any type of pre-press role or responsibility. --David
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