multimedia

This text is jam packed with useful information. I have just begun to skim the surface of this book, and I have already found tricks to make my web site development easier. I recommend this book to all those who use Dreamweaver and beginners as well. You will not regret this purchase.

i'm wondering if these other reviewers are rating books based on comparison to other books or after having read just a particular book(as in this case, DW 4 bible)

this is the most random and unorganized book i've read...
it's not as bad and random as dreamweaver 4 visual quickstart guide but.. it's getting there...
if i wanted to learn html, i would have gotten a html book. it tries too hard. i'm wondering how much these kids will retain the material they've read in this book. sometimes less is more.
after having read this and photoshop 6 bible, the BIBLE series has lost all of my credibility.

well, i'll just say, INSIDE DREAMWEAVER 4 by NEW RIDERS is 123123123 times better... organized well in a efficiently readable format, sticks to the point, and furthermore, a pleasure to read.
a more in depth look at DW in my opinion.

I got this book after positive reviews on this website. It was my first foray into web design. Boy, did Lowery's approach get me off on the wrong foot.

Firstly, the writing is appalling. Here's are a few example (at random):

"The term cascading describes the capability of a local style to override a general style"

"Although you can design the most beautiful, compelling image possible in your graphics program, if it's intended for the Internet, you need to view it in a Web page."

"Checkboxes enable an option to be selected or deselected, so the only information that a function needs from a checkbox is whether it has been selected."

Argh! Why use 5 words when 15 will do? I also get the impression that Lowery is paraphrasing the Macromedia Tech guides. And his book is riddled with errors. Consider this howler:

"For instance, rather than just specifying Palatino - a sans serif font common on PC's but relatively unknown on the Mac - you could insert a tag such as the following ..."

Not only is Palatino a *serif* typeface, it has been included as a system Macintosh font since the 1980's - it's a default install on every Macintosh sold! I emailed Lowery about this, and to his credit he replied within 24 hours. His response?

"Okay - how about I change it to Verdana next time ;)"

Joseph, I think you're missing the point.

In his defence, the tone is paternal and he seems to be a well-meaning buffoon. But I've found the book terribly confusing and, after shelling out £40 for the doorstop, ended up getting most of my Dreamweaver help from the web.

I find it incredible that such a third rate manual gets published, let alone gets a high customer ranking. Steer clear, you can do better.