Hard core programmers would say that HTML is for dummies. Even so, for those of us who want to build and maintain our own Web sites, but cringe at the sight of anything resembling a programming language, HTML 4 for Dummies is the hand-holding guide to help us through those processes.
Because many HTML editors do all the site-building work for you, it's strange the authors chose to wait until appendix C in the back of the book to explain why you must know HTML. Still, their reasons for learning HTML are sound, and the advice they dispense is solid.
Beyond going through the ins and outs of HTML tags, the book does a fine job of explaining what design elements work and how to avoid common mistakes. The section on XHTML ensures that budding site builders have all the latest tools at their disposal.
Whether your goal is to build a simple, text-oriented Web site or one loaded with frames, graphics, and animation, HTML 4 for Dummies will put you on the right track.