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Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML: A Brain-Friendly Guide to Learning HTML and CSS

December 14, 2005

Sebastopol, CA--Hypertext markup language: the words send a chilling dagger of fear straight through the most steadfast of hearts. Or not. The truth is that your brain doesn't really perceive HTML as a threat. You can add CSS and a little XHTML to the mix and maybe--just maybe--your adrenaline level will see a slight hike, but it's not going to make you sit up and pay attention. This is one reason that learning something like HTML can be so difficult: your brain is wired to react to what it perceives as important (life-threatening situations) while making sure the non-important things (humdrum rote lessons) don't exhaust scarce resources.

Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML by Elisabeth Freeman and Eric Freeman (O'Reilly, US $34.95) treats your brain to something different. Using the latest research in neurobiology, cognitive science, and learning theory, this book will load HTML and CSS into your brain in a way that sticks. If you're ready to leave behind the safe, familiar, and too-often dull methods of learning that you've tried in the past, you'll discover a method that's fast, fun, and effective. Plus, your mind will be totally engaged throughout the process.

How is Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML different? Many HTML books only make sense after you're an expert. Not so with "Head First" books. This is a complete learning experience: an exciting, full-color course in everything you need to know to create industry-standard, professional quality web pages. You won't just be reading it, you'll be playing games, solving mysteries, and creating web pages like you've never imagined. You can avoid the embarrassment of thinking web-safe colors still matter, and the foolishness of slipping a tag into your pages. Best of all, you'll learn HTML, XHTML, and CSS in a way that won't put you to sleep.

Learn the real secrets of creating web pages and why everything your boss told you about HTML tables is probably wrong (and what to do instead). Hold your own with your coworker when he casually mentions how his HTML is now strict, and his CSS is in an external style sheet.

Isn't it time you gave your brain a break? Leave those dusty old books behind and pick up Head First HTML with CSS & HTML. Your mastery of web pages is about to begin.

Praise for Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML:

"Elegant design is at the core of every chapter here, each concept conveyed with equal doses of pragmatism and wit."
--Ken Goldstein, Executive Vice President, Disney Online

"This book is a thoroughly modern introduction to forward-looking practices in web page markup and presentation."
--Danny Goodman, author of "Dynamic HTML: The Definitive Guide"

"What used to be a long trial and error learning process has now been reduced neatly into an engaging paperback."
--Mike Davidson, CEO, Newsvine, Inc.

"I love 'Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML'--it teaches you everything you need to learn in a 'fun coated' format!"
--Sally Applin, UI Designer and Artist

Additional Resources:

Head First HTML with CSS & XHTML
Elisabeth Freeman and Eric Freeman
ISBN: 0-596-10197-X, 694 pages, $34.95 US
order@oreilly.com
1-800-998-9938; 1-707-827-7000

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