Rating: 
Summary: Excellent book: well-written, great value, esp. for beginner
Review: I have read many computer books on all topics, up through C++, COM, ASP, etc. This book is one of the best. It gives you the essence of a wide range of subjects regarding HTML and web pages in a very clear, interesting fashion. I particularly liked the section on XML. Crystal-clear compared to the turgid haze on various web sites. The book is very up-to-date (pub. August, 1999) and does a great job of guiding you on ever changing specifications and browser compatibility. To really be an expert on a subject like XML (or maintaining a web site), you will need further references (like XML Bible for XML), but if you need a great introductory guide or an update on the state of HTML/XML, I recommend the book. For me, a very strong point of the book was that it educated me on the essence of each topic without immersing me in it.The book alone for learning is well-worth the $30 or so (Sam's Club price). The extensive HTML reference section might be helpful in solving nitty-gritty composition problems (not used yet). My main complaint would be the CD-ROM. The book examples are there, Internet Explorer 5 (useful as XML parser), Java 2 SDK, Netscape 4.51, and a plethora of freeware, trialware. But why not put something really useful on the CD-ROM, like the HTML reference section in HTML help-file format!!??? Also, how about trial/freeware XML editors? Like XML Spy, XML Pro, MS XML Notepad?? One good thing about the book itself is there are lots of URL references on where to get this stuff on-line. But having a folder on the CD-ROM or a reference to the publisher's web site where the links could be maintained and updated would be great (sorry if I missed it).
Rating:
Summary: Excellent HTML Reference
Review: I've been teaching myself HTML for the last couple years, the hard way (meaning without manuals). I've recently wanted to explore the more advanced aspects, what is new in 4, and touch on XML. This book has been a fantastic reference and has answered any queries I've had so far. The XML coverage is not as thorough as I would have liked, but this is for HTML 4 after all. I am VERY happy with this purchase.
Rating:
Summary: The HTML book that teaches 100% of EVERYTHING
Review: Mastering HTML 4: Premium Edition was a delight! While there were moments I found it less than exciting and entertaining, it was the most complete and thorough collection of knowledge pretaining to HTML and webdesign that i have read so far. I recommend it to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: The HTML book that teaches 100% of EVERYTHING
Review: Mastering HTML 4: Premium Edition was a delight! While there were moments I found it less than exciting and entertaining, it was the most complete and thorough collection of knowledge pretaining to HTML and webdesign that i have read so far. I recommend it to everyone.
Rating: 
Summary: MASTERING HTML4 THE HARD WAY
Review: The information is all here the trouble is that you have to dig for it. The Rays, who usually write pretty good books, must have done a cut and paste job here. You never know where the practice code writing begins and the examples leave off- which is exasperating if you are using this for self-instruction.
Rating:
Summary: Mastering HTML 4 is great for the Beginner
Review: This book has provided great help getting me started toward understanding HTML. The detailed information and step by step instruction that the Rays placed in the book increased my confidence and interest in Web design. The book is easy to use and great as a reference. I don't think I could have picked a better book to learn HTML. I loved all the extra web sites referenced in the book for support purposes.
Rating:
Summary: Mastering HTML 4 is great for the Beginner
Review: This book has provided great help getting me started toward understanding HTML. The detailed information and step by step instruction that the Rays placed in the book increased my confidence and interest in Web design. The book is easy to use and great as a reference. I don't think I could have picked a better book to learn HTML. I loved all the extra web sites referenced in the book for support purposes.
Rating: 
Summary: crap...crap...egg...crap...sausage...crap...
Review: This book is beyond questioning the worst piece of writing I've ever come across. Its total lack of consistency and focus makes what should have been an educating tour through the concepts of HTML, a confusing bumpcar-ride with Mr. and Mrs. Ray at the wheel. These guys are not only writing about hyper text, they're also writing hyper text themselves!
Rating:
Summary: Indespensible
Review: This book is written and organized very well. I find I use it more as a reference manual, then a how-to. The glossary at the end is worth the extra money. I find the examples practical and at the same time they go through the code step by step. While this can be a little bit of a paper waste, I am able to quickly understand what is going on. I just wish the book wasn't too big. Perhaps in the future they should put the book into two volumes. The Mastering series, from all that I have read, are well done and quickly explain things. I am thoroughly glad I purchased this book.
Rating:
Summary: Greatest reference I've had
Review: This is book kept me going with HTML. I didn't know if I wanted to do this for a living, but after learning from this book it made my decision for me. Great book and great reference. And I'm still learning
| 
