graphics and multimedia

That's how useful I've found it!

There are some definite strong points with this book:
- It is comprehensive. Whether you want to review a particular style element, or just get a general overview of how something works, you can do either easily. If it's CSS, it's in here.
- It provides cross-platform examples. As frustrating as it is (are you listening, monolithic software companies?), even the most up-to-date browsers don't yet fully support the complete CSS1 & 2 standards. For each element listed, you get a handy chart showing the level of support ("safety") in the most widely-used browsers.
- It divides elements from CSS level 1 and level 2, which is helpful -- sometimes. (More below)
- The companion CD-ROM (included) contains the complete text, all HTML samples, and all images used throughout the book. Very handy to cut & paste when experimenting.
- It contains examples of elements & styles not yet supported by anyone (aural styles, various media, etc.). Some people have expressed frustration (why include this stuff if we can't even use it?). I'm glad it's there, because the major players *are* slowly incorporating the full standard, and I want to know how to make the best use of it once it's available.

Now, the potential pitfalls:
- It divides elements from CSS level 1 and level 2 -- which is kind of frustrating if you're playing with a level 1 attribute, and you'd like to see what level 2 does with it, and it's not right there on the same page. A minor irritant, but still an irritant.
- It doesn't provide screen shots to illustrate *all* the elements it discusses. Again, a minor irritant, but worth noting.
- It presupposes a pretty good knowledge of HTML (and a basic understanding of CSS), despite being marketed as a reference for all skill levels. Beginners will be confused (try explaining the relationship between margin, padding, indent, and hang -- without confusing beginners!); but, then again, that is the nature of beginners. The confusion will be cured by experimenting, and re-reading the confusing parts.
- Another reviewer mentioned CSS examples that don't validate [properly]. I discovered that; I also found it depends on what validator you run it through. Apparently, some validators are requiring things not mentioned in the W3C official standard -- I guess they're taking lessons from the browser-makers.

Overall, I think it is an excellent reference. As I said, I've used it so much that the spine is cracking & some of the more well-used sections now lay flat on the table (handy, but I'm sure not what the publisher had in mind with this particular binding). Beginners will learn a lot, and I guarantee that even crusty "veterans" don't know *all* the material that's presented here. Highly recommended.

Last week, my employer told me to redesign several online html templates used to provide product documentation to customers. The new design needs to use html today, but be ready to support XML in the future. I decided that css style sheets were the way to go, but I know little about how to implement them. I am not a programmer -- just a "power-amateur." I needed help. My local Barnes and Noble had one book in the whole MonsterStore about css -- It was "Core CSS." I bought it because I needed it immediately.
"Core CSS" turned out to be a well-written, well-organized, thorough, nearly-error-free book, which surprised me. It also answered several small questions I had, which made it worth buying -- but it would have been very difficult to use, if I hadn't had some experience with web programming already.
"Core CSS" lacks four things: 1) a really, really good introductory chapter that shows me exactly what css is and how it is used on an html page, 2) some really good two-page examples of "best-practice" css stylesheet implementations ( I am baffled that the book lacks this), 3)a MUCH better discussion of inheritance -- when, why and HOW to do it, and 4)a separate chapter on web page design basics using css.
Still, I was surprised at how good this book really is. It manages to very clearly and painlessly summarize a hash of difficult W3C/Microsoft/Netscape/GodKnowsWho Specifications, and provides the most consciencious reference to browser support that I could have hoped for -- and that's important, given the state of browser support and the complete obliviousness of Employers who ask "power-user" employees to support everything their customers use. This is a fine, useful book. I expect the Third Edition to be a classic.

This is truly an excellent resource for webdesigners stuck in the dark, old HTML 4 days. The book is clearly organized, well indexed, and easy to read. While largely written in a textbook style, there are bits of humor that do not slow down the flow at all.

Along with covering all CSS1 & CSS2 elements, Schengili-Roberts also previews the CSS3 specs, which should get you excited about the day when browsers decide to support it.

Highly, highly recommended.