First, this work is intended for a very niche audience. It is for computer programmers who are web designers and who want to learn not just basic CSS (how webpages are currently styled) but advanced CSS. As becomes the O’Reilly book series, Verou is fortunately a master of CSS and of technical communication. Her wit makes learning how to make the most out of CSS entertaining, intriguing, and extensible to new situations.
Verou, a member of the W3C CSS Working Group, provides 47 “secrets” that provide example code and results on topics ranging from color tinting and custom checkboxes to the frosted-glass effect and custom animations. More than just a simple “cookbook,” the book is filled with graphics as she helps the reader think through the solution.
My personal favorite effect is #42 – Elastic Transitions. Apparently, the rate of timing for an animation is not linear by default. In fact, it can be specified by a Bezier curve. So CSS allows you to define the anchor points for a Bezier curve, and the animation will proceed according to the timing specified therein.
While I don’t believe that one can ever say someone can completely “master” any art-form, Verou clearly displays a high degree of mastery of CSS. She provides copious links for further exploration. It’s well worth the time for those who want to make their webpages shine with nuance and grace.
CSS Secrets: Better Solutions to Everyday Web Design Problems
by Lea Verou
Copyright (c) 2015
ISBN13 9781449372637
Genre: Computer Science, Web Design
Page Count: 354
www.amazon.com