5 comments about CSS Cookbook, 2nd Edition.

1. In the past I've had confidence in the quality of books published by O'Reilly, but this book was a huge disappointment. There are so many errors--both typos and grammatical errors--coupled with awkward writing, that I find it almost unreadable. Even the diagram for the box model on page 67 is messed up. How is it possible that this sloppiness could get published (again!) in a second edition? There may be some valuable information in the book, but with all the mistakes I don't trust it as a resource. Look for authors Eric Meyers, Jeffrey Zeldman, and Andy Clarke for better CSS books.



2. In general, this is a helpful book if you need to research a particular design solution, but it should in no way be used exclusively to learn CSS. It's helpful to have CSS and javascript experience to fully take advantage of everything this book offers.
   
   Unfortunately, the book contains some organizational flaws. The "General" chapter, which is meant to serve as an introduction to CSS, is a brief background to concepts and tools, but it doesn't always point out that certain selectors are not supported in every browser (child selectors and pseudo-elements are the most notable). I think it'd be helpful to state straight-up that many aspects of CSS are interpreted differently in various browsers, if supported at all, and then note which browsers support each feature as the feature is introduced to the reader. To their credit, they do include a "pitfalls/warnings" icon at the end of some sections, but it'd be helpful to know about them before you continue on to work through one of their examples, only to discover later that it doesn't work in IE6. Since most people would like to design for a cross-browser experience, they might just want to skip over certain CSS features that are not widely supported, so indicating browser support up-front would be very helpful. And I wonder how valuable it is to mention something like "text-shadow" if it is only currently supported by one browser? In addition, some important concepts are buried in the book (such as the fundamental concept of inheritance and the !important rule) - they might be better placed in the "General" chapter (introduction).
   
   Though this book does have its flaws, I have to say that it does assemble some nice formatting tricks. I have previously scoured the Web searching for many of the techniques that are all nicely packaged in one place in the "Images" chapter, so I am sure this would be a real time-saver for many, as the leg-work is already done for you. Among some commonly sought out techniques are rounded corners, dropshadows, and the lightbox effect. The "Lists" and "Navigation" chapters are also pretty useful. The "recipes" this book includes are not only a means to accomplish a particular goal, but the solutions are creatively achieved so that you start thinking about using CSS in less out-of-the-box ways. And kudos to them for mentioning accessibility/usability in the "Typography" chapter - those concepts often fall to the wayside in comparison to glitzier topics.



3. The CSS Cookbook is written for those starting out with CSS and advanced users. It is not written as a tutorial in order to learn CSS but anyone with a basic grip on CSS will find the book a valuable companion. The clear explanations of many of the pitfalls we come across when writing CSS are simply stated in an easy to look up format.
   Even though you may not want to read the book front to cover I think its a great experience to just pick your chapters by what interests you most and to work through a complete chapter following along and rewriting the code as indicated in order to get a good feel of what problems are solved so that if along the way you run in to a problem you find it back without mach ado. You might learn things you never knew where that simple ore useful. For those who are transitioning from table based layouts to CSS it might not be to book to get familiar with CSS because it is a technical book, a little to dry for just getting into using CSS. Once you have gone through the initial learning curve using books like Head First: HTML and CSS from O'Reilly or Eric Meyers on CSS from New Riders you will be ready to use the book as it is intended: A constant companion within reach whenever the going gets tough,
   Chapter 9 on page layout for example clearly explains what took me a long time to understand when starting out trying to use floats for layout. A common problem like columns floated to the left being shorter then the second column located on the right and the resulting overflow of this right column below the left -floated column, I almost forgot that that took me hours to solve when starting out with CSS. In "CSS Cookbook" these behaviors/problems are explained almost in order of appearance as we are working to accomplice more complicated layouts using relative or absolute positioning. There are many resources out on the web but wadding through them is time consuming and being able to find your solutions in a one or two page example including code and images are a big time saver. After each problem there is almost always a "See Also" referral to either another recipe in the book or a link to a more detailed explanation online directing you not only to reliable CSS resources but also to the direct location of the particular problem at hand within these CSS online community resources.
   In the same chapter on layout Christopher Schmitt takes us trough as step-by-step tutorial on Alex Robinson's influential article on creating the "any order Columns" published at postitioniseverything.com. A great exercise in understanding floats and how to be creative with code.
   In chapter 4 on page elements you will find a great example on some creative ways to add java in your pages and I really appreciate the precise instructions here since that is still kind of new to me. The results are truly beautiful, and would inspire any visual designer and can even be applied to background images placed from a style sheet as you can see applied at [...] a small testing / playground of mine.
   
   A whole chapter is dedicated to forms, another to print.
   You will find a clear explanation of how to run multiple versions of i.e. and how to install them. I always new where to find them, just could not get them to work until now! I wish the same simple explanation were given on how to implement Shaun Inmans "clearing a float" in a absolute positioned design since it still is not working for me. (patience, patience...)
   
   The books focus is on solving CSS problems so don't expect all files/example that accompany the book to be validating. I find that a bit of a draw back since the document type used is XHTML Strict in most example files. I think the book as well as the accompanying files may need someone to go through them one more time with a fine comb to correct some of the minor coding errors.
   It's really not to be picking but the book is meant for those familiar with code looking to switch over to CSS and for those more advanced. Using a XTML strict Doc declaration in most documents, would it not be neater if the document where written and validated as such? Text without a paragraph surrounding it or a
   inside a paragraph, missing closing tacks, make it hard for those who are starting out to find confidence when the CSS is somehow not working. Is it I, is it the book? Honestly, when I get stuck I like to know it's something I did wrong and not the book I am learning from. I did however not find any CSS errors in any of the samples I worked trough!
   
   I never read the first edition of the CSS Cookbook but with the release of IE 7 the book has been updated.
   In chapter 3 on images it is stated that at press time IE 5x and 6 do not support a fixed background image in a header to receive a particular effect. I tested in IE 7 and its now is now behaving as it should, so the book I think was released before IE `s 7 official release. Would it have been wiser to wait for this? I think there would have been a more structured outline then of what is still missing and a clearer picture of what to expect in the future working with multiple browsers and demands.
   
   In a ocean of resources in print and online, in the midst of so many tutorials and inspirational articles written on CSS we need a book that works like a Swiss Army Knife to help us solve the problems and issues we come across when we are working on a project and don't have the time to wade trough some of the indeed fascinating and very valuable recourses we can find online. We need a direct solution...We need to know that when we do get stuck or want to push the boundaries that there is a resource that is not lost in a endless list of valuable bookmarks, however well organized, one we can access immediately. Therefore it can be a valuable reason to work through the chapters of interest so that when time is of the essence we know where to go.
   Especially when working on commercial project and when we are not at liberty to suggest that, well maybe IE users will not get the full experience of some more advanced and also very popular browsers, but...
   
   In short it is imported to know what works or not and
   to have some workarounds or at least to hide from those browsers who don't support what you are doing.
   Me personally, I am passionate in my belief and the reasoning behind it, to not letting a product of lesser quality hold down a development....
   And especially because of this is it so important to have the tools at hand to know when to support or bypass older browsers to know what works and what not etc.
   
   I almost want to keep the book a secret just because of the fantastic light box example in chapter 4.6. What a beauty. The book really makes you want to explore and experiment with some more java code added in to your designs. A true gem released a bit to hasty. I don't want a refund and you cannot borrow my copy!
   
   
   • There are just too many "bugs" (typos, coding errors, misplaced figures, etc.) in this book to recommend it. I could forgive the many grammatical errors (though there's really no excuse for them), but when you're supposed to be passing along coding solutions and there are this many errors in the very code you're recommending, it's just unacceptable. I spent way too much time trying to unravel the coding errors to make this book really useful.
     
     I also agree with the reviewer who said he couldn't figure out who the book was for (e.g., beginner, advanced programmer, etc.). I think the problem lies largely in the way the book was organized (or rather, wasn't organized). They need to take this book back to the workshop, clean up the errors, re-arrange the content and then, perhaps, they will have something worthy of publishing.
   
   
   
   • There is some excellent information here. The sections on forms and the CSS calendar were helpful for me. The nested list to breadcrumb solution is lovely, but this book was written too often for best case (or browser) scenarios, not always the world as it is.
     
     Floats are covered for CSS layout but there is no mention of some common Internet Explorer bugs that make their use tricky, including common bugs like the expanding box and guillotine bugs. Holly Hack anybody? How about the problem with setting percent font sizes in the body selector without defining them first in html. Granted IE 7 fixes most of the shortcomings of older versions of the browser but to pretend they don't exist for a measurable percentage of the browsing population is negligent.
     
     Where CSS works as it should, the solutions are fine. Where it doesn't there is too little discussion of the real everyday lack of support in various browsers. If discrete "solutions" are given, the problems associated with each "solution" should be mentioned in the "solution:, not left to a later section that is not cross-referenced. There is a token section at the end of the book on hack support but it is superficial. Even where browser support is mention, it is usually at the end of the solution, where we see it, if at all, after wasting time working through the code. A simple, "This works in xyz browsers at the beginning of each "solution" would have been a great improvement. As they are, some "solutions" only solve problems in a minority percentage of browsers.
     
     There are simply too many good and complete CSS books like Meyer's CSS: The Definitive Guide and CSS Mastery: Advanced Web Standards Solutions by Andy Budd, Simon Collison, and Cameron Moll that give us better real world coverage of CSS usage. For beginners there is Stylin' with CSS: A Designer's Guide by Charles Wyke-Smith. For the experienced there is the stunning new Transcending CSS by Andy Clarke and Molly Holzschlag. I ordered CSS Cookbook in a moment of book craving and am not thrilled by it.
     
     I'm torn on sending it back. It is far from the best general reference, but does have some good content. If I wasn't experienced enough to recognize where it offers less than complete information, it could cause me head scratching with the layout solutions.
     
     Where was Dan Cederholm for this revision?
   
   
   

1 comments about The Art of Small Things.

1. The Art of Small Things by John Mack
   Reviewed by Laurel Hunter [...]
   
   It is no small thing to read through this book. Every time I picked up The Art of Small Things, I became totally absorbed in the beautiful color photographs that illustrate the book - the objects shown are incredibly varied and engaging, and the photography and printing exceptional. I found myself running to the internet to search for more pictures of ganjifa cards or historical chessmen, netsuke and brass weights. The text itself, of course, has information, but I needed more pictures to satisfy my curiosity. It is hardly a flaw for an art book to have pictures that are too beautiful. So perhaps it is a flaw of this reviewer that cannot resist miniature eye candy.
   
   Another difficulty in finishing the book is the density of its prose. Written by the Professor of World Art Studies at the University of East Anglia, this is most definitely more academic text than page-turner. How did I read all that theory and criticism in graduate school? Discipline at last prevailed. I did not read the chapters in order, but I read them all!
   
   Truthfully, the book is a bit dry. However, it is thick with knowledge of many, many cultures and their art and artifacts. It is no small feat to link figurative Aztec jade figures with Italian micro-mosaics with Japanese woodblock prints. However, I did find myself skimming, at times, the lengthy paragraphs that describe technical process. How the Ghanaians cast objects in brass or gold is not quite as interesting to me as the objects they chose and the way that they are arranged to imply meaning. Mack gets to all of this, of course, and the strength of this book lies in the incredible breadth and details of cultural information. For sure the prevailing message is the power of the miniature object to far outweigh its physical presence. Not just the intimacy that we often associate with small works of art, where one is required to move close to the work to engage with it fully. Mack takes on the secrecy of small objects and the power that comes from being hidden, ranging from the religious to the romantic. He also takes his discussion far beyond analysis of the objects and into the cultures that produce them. For example, in a chapter called "Small Bodies" he talks about dollhouses and toys, as well as a cultural fascination with dwarves and a culture of child marriage. In another chapter we learn why brass weights from the Asante culture used for measuring gold take on such a variety of forms - and these are truly amazing casts of birds, men drumming, horses, etc.
   
   What is made especially clear in this book is how small objects are necessarily attentive to details, and therefore venues for fascinating conceptual messages. The variety of objects explored in The Art of Small Things is astounding and the author's knowledge broad, if the means of conveyance a tad academic. And there are, of course, the beautiful reproductions, which are the reason this book stays by my bed at the top of the stack.

2 comments about Atmospheres: Architectural Environments - Surrounding Objects.

1. The book is written as a dialogue taken from a lecture, which has had minimal editing. This gives a good insight into Zumthors thinking and inspirations from the cuff,so to speak.
   
   The disappointment is that there is not a lot of grounding theory or thoughts as well defined like those in his essays in 'thinking archtecture'. My feelings are that some ideas are repeatative but presented from a different perspective.
   
   However if you are a true Zumthor fan, you would know that there is not a lot of published material so when its there! Get it!



2. Very happy with the book i bought! Great quality book either in contents and manufacture. I recommend!! Zumthor is the master!

5 comments about Visio 2003 Bible.

1. As an application training specialist, I'm always looking for books I can recommend to my students, and this is definitely one of them. This book offers a great one-stop resource for all things Visio!



2. An excellent book that shows you how to get the most out of Visio. Although the explanations of various principles behind the application are brief, it provides enough detail to help you understand the basic concept and allows you to effectively use the information in the book.



3. The book is about 700 pages. It is a great reference. It tells you what you can do with Visio 2003 but it is lacking in telling you how to use the features. This book needs to be coupled with a book of applications. There is not much on Shape Sheets which is the heart of Visio shapes. You still have to go to the WEB and search for info from the MS Visio SDK (Software Developer Kit) for information about built-in Visio Functions that you can use in your Shape Sheet to make your shapes more powerful. For example, It would have been nice if the book had info about the DOCMD(1312) function which when entered into the Shape Sheet causes the shape's Custom Properties Dialog box to pop up on double click. This book needs a whole lot more of that type of practical information, but all-in-all it is still a good reference manual. I recomend buying some other CD training to get a grip on the applications and then use this book as reference.



4. This book is well organized and turned out to be more comprehensive than I expected. It is clearly written, and should meet the needs of most Visio users.



5. As is usual with books purporting to enlighten you on the use of software, this book covers a great many subjects. The problem is, there is not enough depth on any of the subjects to help much if you are already a user of the program. If you have a detailed question, the likelihood is you will not find the exact subject addressed or if it is, the coverage is perfunctory. For example, the material on Gantt charts is less detailed than you will find in the help menu, so why bother with the book? If you have advanced far enough on your own to ask this type of question, chances are you won't find the answer either place.
   On the other hand, if you are the type who is reluctant to just dive into a program and start figuring out how to use it on your own and want a guide, the sheer volume of material in this book will impede rather than help.

5 comments about AutoCAD 2006 and AutoCAD LT 2006: No Experience Required.

1. This book thoroughly discuss the steps in using auto cad 2D and an opener in 3D autocad drafting. It uses a simple terms that anybody even not engineers can understand. Must buy for a beginner to intermediate autocad users.
   
   The delivery from amazon really surprised me as the book arrives ahead of thier given arrival time. It arrives in two days only, supposedly shall arrive after 3-5 days. another 5 star rating for amazon's delivery system!



2. Easy to follow, Lots of excercises to practice with and explanation when you screw things up (beyond repair, sometimes.
   A must read if you want to go to "AutoCAD University"?



3. AUTOCAD 2006 AND AUTOCAD LT 2006: NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED is a fine, basic introduction to a powerful program which once commanded the attention only of professionals. Any seeking to utilize the CAD software should have this manual in hand: it provides a set of tutorials which are sequentially arranged for step-by-step study - but it also can be used as an at-a-glance reference sourcebook for solving specific problems. From understanding coordinate systems and drawing routines to working with fills, text, external references and more, AutoCAD's powerful tools and drawing features are all detailed in depth.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



4. I work for a survey company. I have never been to college and I am a self-taught AutoCAD user. I learned AutoCAD '02 with this book. Now I train guys and we buy this book for guys that have backgrounds with Microstation and are transitioning to AutoCAD.



5. Fantastic book for the experienced or the beginner. Easy to understand. Highly recommmend for those just starting out.

3 comments about Engineering Design with SolidWorks 2008 & MultiMedia CD.

1. I'm new to SolidWorks. I used AutoCAD many years ago, and was downsized last year. I now work as a mechanical designer for a medium size auto part manufacturer.
   
   One of the job requirements was to learn SolidWorks. SolidWorks is an amazing product... I purchased two books from these authors. Both are great. Their writing style is very straightforward. They do not assume that you have previous knowledge in 2D or 3D CAD. They give many illustrations in the book, and supply a multimedia CD. This is a BIG advantage when learning a new software package.
   
   Solid engineering fundamentals are provided when creating a part, assembly or drawing. The back of each chapter is packed with examples which are aligned with the CSWA certification. I'm the only one in the department that is not certified. My goal is to past the CSWA certification exam someday!



2. I teach a single semester class of SolidWorks and a two semester class of SolidWorks. The SolidWorks Tutorial book is excellent for the single semester class, but the Engineering Design book is the best one that I have seen for the two semester class. Both books are very well written for education and are easy to read and follow. Both books have integrated homework examples which are directly aligned to the chapters and the SolidWorks CSWA Certification program.
   
   Engineering Design covers all of the main features: Extruded Boss/Base, Extruded Cut, Revolved Boss/Base. Loft Boss/Base, Swept Boss/Base, Linear & Circular Patterns, hole, and more. The chapters are divided into logical project streams to apply the appropriate features, commands, and design intent. Both bottom up and top down assembly methods are applied with configurations. The Drawing section is well documented with exploded views, crop, projected, cut, section, detail, etc. The Sheetmetal chapter is a plus. The book is easy to follow with its bold command structure and step by step illustrations. Base features and Base Sketch planes are well documented and explained. Want to learn SolidWorks? Go no further.



3. I had the pleasure to meet one of the authors at SolidWorks World this year. I was very impressed with her working knowledge of SolidWorks and her commitment for education and developing learning materials for the masses. SolidWorks 2008 had a major interface upgrade from 2007. Many new tools, features, and functions. I'm excited. I've used their 2006 and 2007 books before.
   
   I'm an Instructor with a Community College in the San Diego area. I'm a Mechanical Engineer by profession. I teach three sections of SolidWorks for first and second year students and a evening class for Industry users.
   
   The book, "Engineering Design with SolidWorks 2008" does an excellent job in providing a solid foundation to address the new 2008 User Interface, 2D sketching, 3D part modeling, assembly modeling with multi-configurations and custom properties, 2D Drawings with BOMs, balloons, exploded views, etc. and even Sheet metal modeling.
   
   The book is well written and provides clear and succinct instructions using a bold step-by-step command technique with many illustrations to enhance the students learning experience. The enclosed CD contains numerous movies that can assist you through each chapter. It's a winner. The students enjoy the book and the CD and the back of the book exercises are real world. There is something for everyone.

5 comments about Mastering AutoCAD Architecture 2008.

1. I had already completed the Mastering Autodesk Architectural Desktop 2006. I updated to 2008 and I use it professionally on a daily basis. This book excels at teaching Autodesk Architecture 2008 to a user who has already mastered AutoCAD and wishes to transfer to Autodesk Architecture. Everything is explained step by step from the start of a project to the finish. commercial and residential. For that, the book is fantastic. My only complaints are that the book is sometimes a little scattered and I wish this book would go in to the real underlying workings of the program. There are some Advanced program options that this book does not cover. otherwise, the tutorials are correct and provide the correct information. Furthermore, the author can be found posting in the Autodesk discussion groups which is a big plus. This book gets a solid four stars.



2. This is one of the best books I have read for Autocad. It is Autocad Architecture 2008. I was able to do exercises easily without hitting a brick wall. Amazing author. Not many books are this good. Buy it you won't regret it. It doesn't have anything about rendering as one reader pointed out. The goal of this book is different. Anything by this author is great.



3. I bought this book hoping to learn the rendering feature but to my disappointment it has nothing on the subject. I have bought a few of these books in the past and I learned quite a bit, but it seems the same stuff keeps getting reprinted.
   
   if you have bought these before, you will learn nothing new.



4. This is a very informative book after trying to get a grip on the other books I've tried to study along with. This book is an excllent read and study book for all areas of Cad users interested in the Architecture aspect of it.



5. I have been buying Aubin's Mastering series since Autocad version 14. He never dissappoints. This is a great book.

5 comments about Drawing and Designing with Confidence: A Step-by-Step Guide.

1. this book has nothing to show for designing principles at all it mostly or complety center itself with the graphical presentation of a theme, more usefull for a first year architectural student that hasnt yet started in the graphical expression portion of his academic pensum but for someone with more than a year of study has little or nothing to contribute.



2. Mike Lin is considered the master by many on this topic. I refer back to his work many times. I would consider purchasing a supplementary "how-to" book (e.g. Grant Reid's Landscape Graphics) which describes process in a little more detail.
   
   Enjoy.



3. If you are buying this book because it is required text for his talk, do yourself a BIG service and get your refund, immediately. He promises to deliver how to teach you graphics in 7 or 12 days, depending on location, and he WILL NOT deliver! He takes your money, teaches, perhaps, what equates to two days of real teaching and continously tells you how privileged you are to learn these things from him. The remaining time is spent on his non-stop blathering about non-related ideas like his philosophy, websites (like myspace,etc), his house, etc., etc. I never knew any one person could talk SO much about nothing. He opens with 3 hours of lecture about not complaining about anything (by that I can only assume he has had many unhappy people in his past workshops). If you complain about his content, he threatens not to teach you anything. He calls that being a negative person. He wastes your valuable time and your hard earned money. BE FOREWARNED!



4. You have to put in some time but this book gives you all the tools you need to draw well. I can already see my progress after a few hours. Highly recommend this book.



5. The book has alot of great art work and teaches some inetersting points but unless you already an acomplished artist, this book will bore you,over whlem you, and mabe even discourage you.
   
   I didn't feel the confidence the books title said it would give. Mabe I will reread it when I have the confidence in my art work to understand what the book is talking about.
   
   Its not that its a bad book, its just filled with alot of bla bla bla and not enough instruction-

No comments about At Home by the Sea: Houses Designed for Living at the Water's Edge.

5 comments about CNC Programming Handbook, Third Edition.

1. This is by far the best book on the subject of CNC programming. Even if you have an earlier edition, it is still worth upgrading to the 3rd Edition. Peter Smid knows his subject.



2. Good topic, accurate programs, and creative layout. We are impressed by this book and will order another one for the shop floor at our firm.

   Anchan, there is no such word as "evidences". Keep studying English.

   B.G.




3. Please ignore the childish comments about minor typo errors. They come from someone who feels that Evidences is a word.....

   I enjoyed this book, and made it suggested reading at my class. Technical books are to be judged on content and merit, areas where Mr. Smid has excelled with his CNC Programming Handbook.

   Larry Marcantonio, Professor, Advanced Mechanical Studies




4. Tom, could you please at least read the book?
   Take it from someone who *read* the book.
   I don't care much about english in the book and I totally agree that it is a good book but it could have been better. Apart from mathematical incorrect, some of the examples in the book also incorrect. Look in page 311 programe O3503 for example.

   Look in page 53 for the word "theses"
   Look in page 190 for "it this case"
   Look in page 287 for "That may me a little.."
   Look in page 321 for ",can be also be programmed..."
   There are more.
   Finally, if you are doing cnc programming, buy the 2nd book. Perhaps you will not get these mistakes.

   Bye, I have to go and study some more english. :)




5. Tom, could you please at least read the book?
   Take it from someone who *read* the book.
   I don't care much about english in the book and I totally agree that it is a good book but it could have been better. Apart from mathematical incorrect, some of the examples in the book also incorrect. Look in page 311 programe O3503 for example.

   Look in page 53 for the word "theses"
   Look in page 190 for "it this case"
   Look in page 287 for "That may me a little.."
   Look in page 321 for ",can be also be programmed..."
   There are more.
   Finally, if you are doing cnc programming, buy the 2nd book. Perhaps you will not get these mistakes.

   Bye, I have to go and study some more english. :)