Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic Desktop Reference
Review: This book is a great reference for those trying to develop for and support multiple browsers. It is already a little old (Published in January 99) but since many of the general public don't upgrade thier browsers regularly, it is still very appropriate. This book is a must have for web developers.
Rating: 
Summary: Great for both learning and quick reference
Review: This book's overall view on pretty much all aspects of webdesign makes it perfect for people who are to learn some basics/intermediate web designing, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking for a good reference book for when memory fails - without this book I would've been stuck for hours trying to remember some style sheets properties and a few basic javascript that kept slipping out of my mind. A life saver!
Rating:
Summary: indispensable reference
Review: This is not a design book, per se, but simply titling it "HTML in a Nutshell" would have been misleading as it covers not only HTML, but Unix basics, various graphics formats, CSS, JavaScript, CGI, SSI, and so on. Concisely written and well organized, this book is an essential reference that is still useful two years after its original publication. This is probably not the right book if you are new to web design, but once you know the basics, you'll want to keep this book by your side any time you work on a web page.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive but Outdated
Review: I'm amazed at the range of topics covered by this book, especially because it was published in early 1999. It contains information on HTML 4, PNG, animated GIFs, multimedia, JavaScript, dynamic HTML, and XML. There are several noticable gaps, however. For example, the <!DOCTYPE> tag is not described, and information on character sets is very limited. But almost everything that most web developers need to know is covered.The book's biggest weakness is that much has changed in the past two years. HTML 4.01, XHTML, Java servlets, MNG (animated PNGs), Internet Explorer 5.5, and Netscape 6 have appeared. Of course, this book doesn't mention any of these. If you want to stay informed of the latest technologies, you'll have to buy a more up-to-date book in addition to this one.
Rating:
Summary: Handy book with useful info
Review: Yep, this seems to have it all. I just spent the last few hours pouring over this book and have found quite a few things I hadn't found elsewhere (on the web or otherwise), like Netscapes habit of collapsing blank cells in tables, etc. I find these types of references increadably handy. I highly recommend this book for anyone serious about the web or web design. My best purchase at Amazon.com to date. -Rob
Rating:
Summary: A comprehensive reference
Review: I've only had this book for a couple of months, but when I program HTML, I can't live without it. Every chapter lists first the syntax of each function, and then gives examples and illustrates how to use the functions together. Granted, I have a couple years C++ background, I went from having no concept of the language to being able to compose web pages at least semi-proficiently in no time... Now I just need a good Javascript book. any recommendations?
Rating:
Summary: My "Desert Island" web book
Review: I will only be repeating what other reviewers have said, but if I could have just one book on my desk, this would be it. I'm notorious for purchasing a new book each week on every aspect of information design and web development, but few catch my attention for longer than a week (yes, it's a vicious circle). It is rare that I'll reference one after my initial read. However, Web Design in a Nutshell has not left my side in the 18 months I've owned it. It was my introduction to CSS & layers, is a wonderful Javascript and HTML tag resource, and has just enough about Unix & CGI scripts to get me through. Let me put it this way: I refuse to lend this book out to people anymore, because I always end up reaching for it. I'm thinking of purchasing a second copy exclusively for lending out.
Rating:
Summary: The best!
Review: Niederst has created an invaluable resourse for web professionals. She goes beyond the usual summaries of commands to get into issues such as browser differences, accessibility for the disabled webuser, and future web technologies. My copy is only a few months old, but already it is dogeared from active use--in particular, the comprehensive appendices of HTML tags and attributes, and the table of special character codes. Her writing is clear and concise, with a welcome touch of humour. However, this is a book for people who are already comfortable with computers--a newbie would likely be intimidated. Personally, though, I prefered this book to the scores of cutesy dumbed-down books for the masses for this very reason.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular
Review: Don't design without it. Deeper than a quick reference, but lighter than a full manual. It has increased my skills tremendously!
Rating:
Summary: Good Overview of Basic Web Design
Review: Good, fairly complete overview of all aspects of web design. Doesn't cover many details on any one aspect. I read it once (after designing several web pages) and didn't get too many new ideas. I use it mainly as a reference book for HTML and CSS tags.
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