New Perspectives on HTML and XHTML: Comprehensive [Paperback]

"HTML and XHTML" is my first exposure to the "New Perspectives" series, but I'm sure it won't be my last. I had a few years of web design experience, but I wanted to get into the programming side a little bit more, so I ended up taking a class and this was the textbook. I was pretty upset that I was being forced to buy an expensive book on a common subject like HTML where one can find a multitude of volumes for under $40. However, by the end of the class, I came to really appreciate the approach that this book takes.

First of all, if you are looking for a reference book, this is not it. This is a step-by-step book that teaches one basic concept per chapter with each idea being applied directly to the accompanying tutorial files downloadable from the publisher's website.

That said, if you're looking for something akin to an HTML classroom experience, this book allows you to teach yourself pretty effectively. I had the added benefit of an instructor to help me debug, but I could imagine working through the book successfully on my own without issue. The directions are very clear and aimed at the beginner. I've seen a lot of books that skip certain steps considered too basic to mention, but this book makes no assumptions.

Again, this is not a book for anyone already familiar with HTML, nor is it recommended as a reference or a refresher. You can spend much less money to get a good refresher book that doesn't cover so many basics in such detail. However, if you want a book that will hold your hand through the learning process, this is it.

I realize that most of the people buying this book will have no choice - it will be a required textbook for introductory web programming classes. I'm mostly just sharing my experience here. The book is expensive, but it IS worth it. I'm not sure if I'll hang on to mine forever, but it gave me a very solid knowledge of HTML fundamentals.

I have just completed a university level course using Patrick Carey's text NEW PERSPECTIVES HTML AND XHTML, 5th Edition. I'll admit to having an extensive background as a student and to being over 70 with 40 years as a classroom instuctor.
1. Text (physical) -- high gloss paper, small type, and colored backgrounds for charts of important information are very difficult to read even with a magnifying glass. User's light source must be perfect for the pages not to produce a glare, which again impedes readability. It is difficult to handle or lay in a position to move from section to section (I used heavy metal clamps.).
2. There is a major difference between a glossary and an index, which made locating information time consuming since the only other method is turning the pages one-by-one.
3. Instructions are confusing with little building on previous information.
4. There are long discussions of elements of the code that are no longer valid--but the student is only told that at the end of the section. Tip sections are interesting in that in more than one instance this is where information for completing a problem was located.
5. Practice lessons are a hodge-podge of excessive verbal instructions, at times using a word that have just been explained as an attribute for a different purpose -- so the student is left playing guessing games as to what they are to accomplish.
6. When it takes an experienced computer user over seventy hours to complete one assignment; it falls under the heading of absurd.
7. For what audience was the books written? To impress fellow instructors or for a student who is trying to learn the code? I don't think the author has any idea.
Nash Black, author of Indie finalists WRITING AS A SMALL BUSINESS and HAINTS.

Purchased this book for an on-line college class. So far it is pretty good. I have not found any mistakes yet and it seems to explain things very well. One caveat though, I am well versed in HTML so this is more of a review for me. My opinion may change once I get into XHTML.