Then there’s Dribbble. Seriously, if I don’t stop now I’ll never get to the book review. On top of the many reasons I respect Dan Cederholm professionally, he seems like a great person outside the modern Web. He’s a guy we can look up to in the most widespread of ways, and I’m appreciative that I’ve been following Dan for as long as I have.

CSS3 for Web Designers

I received my copy of CSS3 for Web Designers, the latest release from A Book Apart, just yesterday; it jumped the (ever growing) lineup of books I’d like to read and went straight to the top. I sat down with a cup of coffee near our freshly set up Christmas tree and got down to reading.

If Dan has a writing style, I’d have to label it consistent. He has a way with words that truly educates as much as it entertains. It’s a really difficult balance to find, something I strive for in my own way. It’s particularly admirable to hit such a stride with technical books. Dan has done it again with CSS3 for Web Designers.

Before talking about the book itself, I’d just like to express how delightful it is to read a printed copy of a book that primarily (and, in this case, singularly) focuses on such modern Web technology. I read a lot online. I appreciate the speedy delivery of a PDF, but I also enjoy sitting down and reading printed copy. I’m happy to see the increase in traditional publications on up-to-date subjects.

On the subject of CSS3

I’ve written before about the real impact of using CSS3 on client work, and much of what I wrote still rings true for me. One of the initial themes I quickly related to in CSS3 for Web Designers was Dan reiterating that while CSS3 can (and should) be implemented today, it should be used with a purpose, and the author should recognize the impact of the decision to use CSS3. Dan is always sure to include the acceptable fallback approach, and he also covers the aspect of future-proofing your styles to ensure forward compatibility.

I’m happy to report that CSS3 for Web Designers covers the exact set of properties I’ve been playing with both on client projects as well as personal work. Properties such as border-radius, text-shadow, box-shadow, multiple background images, opacity, and RGBA are covered from purpose to implementation.

Dan took the time to design a pseudo-site to walk us through the enhancements made to various elements within the design, explaining why and how each property is applicable. I love this approach to education, and in Dan’s traditional style, it worked out well.

In the newly defined A Book Apart style, CSS3 for Web Designers looks beautiful. The type is great, the quality of the book itself is awesome, and there is no shortage of code to check out. I can’t wait to see more of the A Book Apart collection in my library, CSS3 for Web Designers is an excellent addition that I’m sure will be reread at least a few times more if for nothing else than enjoying the quality.

My recommendation

I loved reading CSS3 for Web designers. If an up-and-coming designer asked me what they should know about CSS3, I can confidently say that I’d recommend CSS3 for Web Designers. It truly echos my sentiments regarding CSS3 at this point and with it being such a quick read, designers are sure to be brought up to date rapidly, with the only prerequisite being a basic working knowledge of HTML and CSS (2.1).

Seasoned designers and developers should give the book a read as well. It’s a great reminder that CSS3 should be used for good, not evil. Even professionals need to be reminded of the basics sometimes, and this book does a great job of that.

Giveaway details

If you haven’t had a chance to pick up CSS3 for Web Designers quite yet, I’d love to have the chance to send you one of my copies for free. To enter, just tweet the following:

Looking to win a free copy of CSS3 for Web Designers from @jchristopher /via /x/30

Entries are open for 7 days and will close at 11:59pm Eastern on December 5, 2010. The winner will be announced the following day. I’m sorry to say, but unless you’re willing to pay shipping, the contest is limited to those living the continental US. Each entry on Twitter will be counted once and only once. Good luck!

Advertise here with BSA

We’re hearing more about HTML5 as each week goes on, and it’s not without reason. If HTML5 isn’t something you’ve determined as important enough to deserve your attention, that’s problematic. HTML5 is way more than <audio> and <video> and it’s so much more than saying ‘Flash stinks.’

The number of blog posts, articles, and other writings surrounding HTML5 must far outnumber those on any other single Web design-centered subject so far this year, and I’m happy to say that most are very informative and forward thinking. There is still the issue, though, of some designers not truly understanding what we should expect as HTML5 becomes increasingly prevalent.

HTML5 for Web Designers

Enter HTML5 for Web Designers, the first A Book Apart written by Jeremy Keith. As summarized by A Book Apart:

The HTML5 spec is 900 pages and hard to read. HTML5 for Web Designers is 85 pages and fun to read. Easy choice.

HTML5 is the longest HTML specification ever written. It is also the most powerful, and in some ways, the most confusing. What do accessible, content-focused standards-based web designers and front-end developers need to know? And how can we harness the power of HTML5 in today’s browsers?

In this brilliant and entertaining user’s guide, Jeremy Keith cuts to the chase, with crisp, clear, practical examples, and his patented twinkle and charm.

I can confirm that the HTML5 spec is quite long and arduous to take on in an reasonable amount of time if you’re expecting to learn the big picture surrounding HTML5 and how it will affect you and your work. HTML5 for Web Designers is a supreme alternative if I may say so myself.

What you’ll learn

In all honesty, HTML5 for Web Designers is a fantastically comprehensive introduction to HTML5, and it keeps everything to 85 pages. If you’ve read about HTML5 here and there and you can’t stop hearing other people talk about it, HTML5 for Web Designers will get you into those conversations.

This is not a technical book by any stretch of the word. I say that as someone who has been working with HTML for a number of years and knows the basics; it’s a markup language, certain elements are meant for certain things, and elements have attributes that change various characteristics about said elements.

This book is not for someone learning HTML, it’s for someone who currently writes either HTML or (X)HTML by choice and has an opinion for doing so. It’s aimed for professionals looking to educate themselves on the next version of the most important markup language in the world.

What you won’t learn

Continuing on the basis that this is not a technical book, you’re not going to hear mention of the really geeky stuff surrounding HTML5. Web Workers, WebSockets, Web SQL and Storage, and geolocation (to name a few) are nowhere to be seen, but it’s not without reason:

The JavaScript APIs in HTML5 are very powerful. They are also completely over my head. I’ll leave it to developers smarter than me to write about them. The APIs deserve their own separate book.

Truth be told, there are a number of misconceptions surrounding a number of those technologies, some of which have absolutely nothing to do with the HTML5 spec in the least. I’m super glad Jeremy took this approach. That decision alone made HTML5 for Web Designers the top notch book to overview and introduce someone to HTML5 without becoming overbearing.

Overall impression

I honestly loved the book. It’s small enough (85 pages) that you can read it in a sitting or two and it’s written in such a style that doesn’t come close to that of a lethargic textbook. If you’ve had the opportunity to read any of Jeremy’s other books (DOM Scripting, Bulletproof Ajax) this definitely follows suit, but with a bit more personality. Definitely a bonus.

I liked that the book went into more detail than the spec alone. It talked about actual application as well. There were bits and pieces about how we’ll be able to style these new elements which is super important. There was also some advice given regarding certain element attributes surrounding best practices which will steer readers in the right direction from the get-go.

Additionally, Jeremy devoted just enough time to the history of HTML5, how it came to be, and even touched on the politics surrounding its development. These facts are important to know if you’re looking to truly harness and refine your knowledge.

You’re going to learn a ton from this book, and I definitely recommend picking it up if your job title is Web Designer, Web Developer, Front End Developer, or anything else that has you writing HTML at any point in time.

Giveaway details

It’s that time again. Giveaway time. I last caught wind that the book was sold out currently, so I’m hoping to send the book to someone who didn’t get an order in before there were none left. Rules for entry are again quite simple:

• You must live in the continental US (or be willing to pay shipping otherwise)
• You can enter by leaving a comment below explaining what you’re most excited about when it comes to HTML5

• You can enter a second time via Twitter if you’d like by tweeting the following:

  Looking to get a free copy of HTML5 for Web Designers from @jchristopher! /x/23 #MBNhtml5

Entries via Twitter are not required but a comment here is. An entry via Twitter is just doubling your chances. Entries will be open and accepted until August 9, 2010 at 11:59am EDT. Good luck!

Advertise here with BSA

A Book Apart is a new take. Print? Yes print! The venture was founded by none other than Jeffrey Zeldman in conjunction with Mandy Brown and Jason Santa Maria. Not sold yet? Jason took the time to outline some of the thoughts he went over as he designed the series, and it looks great.

HTML5 for Web Designers

I’ve already pre-ordered two copies of the first book, one of which will be given away when the review gets published. The book is titled HTML5 for Web Designers and was written by Jeremy Keith. I’ve been reading from Jeremy Keith for quite some time now and every time I do I’m thankful he wrote what he did. His publications are always excellent and I couldn’t wait to order a team based publication given the names involved.

I’m really looking forward to this series of books. I will admit that Jason mentioning he designed the series in such a way it looks nice sitting together on a shelf has me committed already.

Advertise here with BSA