More proof that good things come in small--and sometimes even inexpensive--packages: the CSS Pocket Reference has been completely revised and updated to reflect the latest Cascading Style Sheet specifications, CSS2 and CSS2.1. An indispensable reference for web designers and developers, this slim little book covers the essential information needed to effectively implement CSS, with an introduction to the key concepts of CSS and a complete alphabetical reference to the CSS2 and CSS 2.1 properties. And since browser incompatibility is the biggest CSS headache for most developers, it also includes an invaluable chart displaying detailed information about CSS support for every style element across all browsers. For anyone who wants to correctly implement CSS, this book condenses all the details in its companion volume, Cascading Style Sheets: The Definitive Guide, into one easy-to-use cheat-sheet. The CSS Pocket Reference delivers just the CSS details that you need to complete the task at hand. When you're stuck and want an answer quickly, the tiny CSS Pocket Reference is the book you'll want by your keyboard or in your back pocket. (Yes, it really does fit in a back pocket, but it's too useful to stay there long.)

Browser Specifics,  May 20 2005
Submitted by Anonymous Reader   [Respond | View]

This book is great! Completely worth the paltry sum that I paid for it. I carry it with me in my bookbag, whether to work or to home.

However, (and bear in mind I am still kinda new to web development), putting something in that shows how differant bros\wsers would implement something would be great. I am constantly frustrated with how firefox and IE render things differantly, especially with tables (for data, not for page layout.)


Still would recommend this book to anyone!


Suggestions,  May 04 2005
Submitted by scott   [Respond | View]

The only reason that I'm taking the time to make suggestions is because the book is worthy of my time. This is an invaluable resource, but like all things, there's room for improvement.

1) Finding a particular CSS property is more difficult than it should be. Not only should the index be populated with all properties (properties should stand out), but each page should have a letter tab that's easily visible as you thumb through the pages ... so you know if you're nearing "padding", say, because there's a little "Pa" in the corner.

2) I realize support for CSS is a moving target, but another useful feature would be shaded blocks, representing browser/version, after each property, indicating whether that property is supported / not supported in a particular browser/version.

I think both of these features wouldn't add bulk to the handy guide, but rather, add value.

-Scott
Edmonton, AB


Cascade Kingdom,  January 21 2005
Submitted by Bambu   [Respond | View]

Easy to carry, easy to use; absolutely invaluable.

Lots of things could make this book more comprehensive, but would also make it heavier.

A companion website with additional resources might be cool. This could just be a compilation of external resources, maybe just some well organized links, etc. On the other hand, it might just be redundant since there are already a billion great websites for these sorts of things. Yeah, my bad; I can't say it's not a perfect book!

Almost perfect,  October 25 2004
Submitted by Anonymous Reader   [Respond | View]

Whereas the first edition of the CSS Pocket Reference did not include an index, the new second edition has an index for better usability. We've been listening to your comments and have added indexes to most of our new and revised pocket references.


Almost perfect,  October 22 2004
Submitted by Theresa   [Respond | View]

I love this book, but I'm continually frustrated by its lack of an index. If I want to see the information for "width" or "vertical-align," I have to flip through the book to find it, all the while hoping I'm in the right section--kind of annoying when I'm on a deadline and I just need to check one thing.

It would also be nice to see Safari thrown into the mix of browsers referred to, especially since Microsoft won't be upgrading IE for the Mac.

Of course, I'm looking at the 2001 edition. Were those things added to the latest edition?


Almost perfect,  October 22 2004
Submitted by Theresa   [Respond | View]

I love this book, but I'm continually frustrated by its lack of an index. If I want to see the information for "width" or "vertical-align," I have to flip through the book to find it, all the while hoping I'm in the right section--kind of annoying when I'm on a deadline and I just need to check one thing.

It would also be nice to see Safari thrown into the mix of browsers referred to, especially since Microsoft won't be upgrading IE for the Mac.