HTML, Java, CGI, VRML, SGML Web Publishing Unleashed

Rating:
Summary: Certainly one of the all time BEST Web books ever
Review: As a true skeptic, I don't believe in a perfect 10, so I gave this book a 9. Still, there is something massively appealing about Stanek's style. I purchased this book some time ago and find that I used it every day. Recently, I also purchased the expanded Professional Reference edition. I was surprised at how well the two books compliment each other. There's lots of different material in each book. Some of the areas this book explores well are:

Setting up - covers in great detail how to set up your Web site, what you can publish on the Web, and how to plot your course to success with HTML, SGML, VRML, Java, and CGI. The publisher's tour of the Web in chapter 3 is tops. I also liked the direct comparisons of HTML, VRML, and SGML in chapter 4 - complete with easy to follow charts that tell you when and why to use each.

Internet Explorer and Navigator extensions - great discussion on how to use these extensions

Designing tables and frames - good coverage of the table spec and frames.

Client Pull/Server Push - I finally learned how to use pull and push from this chapter that covers this subject

CGI - extensive coverage of scripting, clear and easy to understand

Graphic Design/Web Design - lots of tips throughout. I printed out Stanek's 14-second rule and posted next to my monitor.

Rating:
Summary: Still relevant!
Review: I bought this book after taking on the task of learning *gasp* all of the facets of web programming and design, hoping this would be current information. A lot of it is. If you're still developing and writing HTML in the 3.0 version. I was surprisingly let down by this part of the Unleashed series, which is usually known for high quality info. Not that it isn't a good book, it's just out of date. ** Wondering how to get money back now **.. My advice.. keep looking. This one is just not current enough to be useful for so much of what's new now. Sorry Mr. Stanek, et al.

Rating:
Summary: Still relevant!
Review: I just purchased this book, I am also a web designer, although it is already outdated the theories presented by the author makes this book relevant to newer versions of HTML etc.This book is still a must for designers and a would be CLASSIC!

Rating:
Summary: Reads well and still extremely useful!
Review: Stanek had a remarkable vision for the future of the Web when he wrote this book. He covered material in the book that was well ahead of its time when the book was published and the Web is just now catching up with where he was back in 1996. He talked about HTML 3.0 and its features at great length. These same exact features are now a part of the new HTML. He talked about advanced table models. The table models are now fully supported and on the cutting-edge of today's Web design.

Because of great foresight on Stanek's part, the book hasn't lost its luster. It still shines like a new dime and I rely on it to help me create cutting-edge Web sites time after time. You won't find another book like this one. I guarantee it. - CM