Methodology
There are countless lists on the internet claiming to be the list of must-read css books and it seemed that all those lists always recommended that same books minus two or three odd choices.
Finding good resources for learning programming is always tricky. Every-one has its own opinion about what book is the best to learn, and as we say in french, “Color and tastes should not be argued about”.
However I though it would be interesting to trust the wisdom of the crown and to find the books that appeared the most in those “Best css Book” lists.
If you want to jump right on the results go take a look below at the full results. If you want to learn about the methodology, bear with me.
I’ve simply asked Google for a few queries like “Best css Books” and its variations of. I have then scrapped all those pages (using ScrapingBee, a web scraping API I’m working on).
I’ve deduplicated the links and ended up with nearly 270 links. Using the title of the pages I was also able to quickly discards:
- list focused on one particular technology or platform
- list focused on one particular year
- list focused on free books
- Quora and Reddit threads
I ended up with almost 247 HTML files. I went on opening all the files on my browser, open my chrome inspector, found and wrote the CSS selector matching book titles in the article. This took me around 1hours, almost 30 seconds per page.
This also allowed me to discard even more nonrelevant pages, and I discarded a lot. In the end I compiled around 146 lists into this one.
Book titles were then extracted with manuel extraction and some web scraping.
I ended up with a huge list of books, not usable without some post-processing.
To find the most quoted css books I needed to normalize my results.
I had to play with all the different variation like “{title} by {author}” or “{title} - {author}”.
Or “{title}:{subtitle}” and “{title}”, or even all the one containing edition number.
And afterquite a bit of manual cleaning.
My list now looked like this:
From there it was easy to compute the most recommended books. You can find all the data used to process this list on this repo. Now let’s take a look at the list:
I've also recently used some data from different book sellers in order to not forget important books and try to give more weight to books with incredible reviews.
‍
Results
15
)
HTML & CSS for Complete Beginners: A Step by Step Guide to Learning HTML5 and CSS3
“
HTML & CSS for Complete Beginners makes it extremely easy to get into HTML and CSS through step by step instructions and numerous screenshots and examples, making it easy for readers to follow along. If you want a practical guide that does not overwhelm you with petty details, then this is the book for you
”
Amazon.com
14
)
Learn To Code Html And Css (Voices That Matter)
“
HTML and CSS can be a little daunting at first but fear not. This book, based on Shay Howe's popular workshop covers the basics and breaks down the barrier to entry, showing readers how they can start using HTML and CSS through practical techniques today.
They'll find accompanying code examples online, while they explore topics such as the different structures of HTML and CSS, and common terms. After establishing a basic understanding of HTML and CSS a deeper dive is taken into the box model and how to work with floats. The book includes an exercise focused on cleaning up a web page by improving the user interface and design, solely using HTML and CSS.
With a few quick changes the web page changes shape and comes to life. Interactive, technically up-to-the-minute and easy-to-understand, this book will advance a student's skills to a professional level.
They'll find accompanying code examples online, while they explore topics such as the different structures of HTML and CSS, and common terms. After establishing a basic understanding of HTML and CSS a deeper dive is taken into the box model and how to work with floats. The book includes an exercise focused on cleaning up a web page by improving the user interface and design, solely using HTML and CSS.
With a few quick changes the web page changes shape and comes to life. Interactive, technically up-to-the-minute and easy-to-understand, this book will advance a student's skills to a professional level.
”
Amazon.com
13
)
New Perspectives on HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript
“
Discover the thorough instruction you need to build dynamic, interactive Web sites from scratch with NEW PERSPECTIVES ON HTML5, CSS3, AND JAVASCRIPT, 6E. This user-friendly book provides comprehensive coverage of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with an inviting approach that starts with the basics and does not require any prior knowledge on the subject.
Detailed explanations of key concepts and skills make even the most challenging topics clear and accessible. Case scenarios and case problems place the most complex concepts within an understandable and practical context.
You develop important problem solving skills as you work through realistic exercises. Proven applications and an interesting approach help you retain the material and apply what you�ve learned in a professional environment.
Detailed explanations of key concepts and skills make even the most challenging topics clear and accessible. Case scenarios and case problems place the most complex concepts within an understandable and practical context.
You develop important problem solving skills as you work through realistic exercises. Proven applications and an interesting approach help you retain the material and apply what you�ve learned in a professional environment.
”
Amazon.com
12
)
Web Design Playground: HTML & CSS the Interactive Way
“
Summary Web Design Playground takes you step by step from writing your first line of HTML to creating interesting and attractive web pages. In this project-based book, you'll use a custom online workspace, the book's companion Playground, to design websites, product pages, photo galleries, and more.
Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats from Manning Publications. About the Technology How do top designers learn to create beautiful web pages and intuitive user experiences? Great examples, expert mentoring, and lots of practice! Written by web designer and master teacher Paul McFedries, this unique book shapes and sharpens your skills in HTML, CSS, and web page design.
About the Book Web Design Playground takes you step by step from writing your first line of HTML to creating interesting, attractive web pages. In this project-based book, you'll use a custom online workspace to design websites, product pages, photo galleries, and more.
Don't worry about setting up your own servers and domain names—the book comes with a free "playground" which lets you experiment without any of that! You can concentrate on core skills like adding images and video and laying out the page, plus learning typography, responsive design, and the other tools of the web trade. What's inside Getting started with HTML, CSS, and web design A free, fully interactive web design workspace Working with images, color, and fonts Full-color illustrations throughout About the Reader If you can use a browser, you're ready to create web pages! About the Author Paul McFedries has written nearly 100 books, which have sold over four million copies world-wide
Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats from Manning Publications. About the Technology How do top designers learn to create beautiful web pages and intuitive user experiences? Great examples, expert mentoring, and lots of practice! Written by web designer and master teacher Paul McFedries, this unique book shapes and sharpens your skills in HTML, CSS, and web page design.
About the Book Web Design Playground takes you step by step from writing your first line of HTML to creating interesting, attractive web pages. In this project-based book, you'll use a custom online workspace to design websites, product pages, photo galleries, and more.
Don't worry about setting up your own servers and domain names—the book comes with a free "playground" which lets you experiment without any of that! You can concentrate on core skills like adding images and video and laying out the page, plus learning typography, responsive design, and the other tools of the web trade. What's inside Getting started with HTML, CSS, and web design A free, fully interactive web design workspace Working with images, color, and fonts Full-color illustrations throughout About the Reader If you can use a browser, you're ready to create web pages! About the Author Paul McFedries has written nearly 100 books, which have sold over four million copies world-wide
”
Amazon.com
11
)
Beginning HTML5 and CSS3 For Dummies
“
Your full-color, friendly guide to getting started with HTML5 and CSS3! HTML and CSS are essential tools for creating dynamic websites and help make your websites even more effective and unique. This friendly-but-straightforward guide gets you started with the basics of the latest versions of HTML and CSS: HTML5 and CSS3.
Introducing you to the syntax and structure of the languages, this helpful guide shows you how to create and view a web page, explains ideal usage of HTML5 and CSS3, walks you through the CSS3 rules and style sheets, addresses common mistakes and explains how to fix them, and explores interesting HTML5 tools. Serves as an ideal introduction to HTML5 and CSS3 for beginners with little to no web development experience Details the capabilities of HTML5 and CSS3 and how to use both to create responsive, practical, and well-designed websites Helps you understand how HTML5 and CSS3 are the foundation upon which hundreds of millions of web pages are built Features full-color illustrations to enhance your learning process Beginning HTML5 and CSS3 For Dummies is the perfect first step for getting started with the fundamentals of web development and design.
Introducing you to the syntax and structure of the languages, this helpful guide shows you how to create and view a web page, explains ideal usage of HTML5 and CSS3, walks you through the CSS3 rules and style sheets, addresses common mistakes and explains how to fix them, and explores interesting HTML5 tools. Serves as an ideal introduction to HTML5 and CSS3 for beginners with little to no web development experience Details the capabilities of HTML5 and CSS3 and how to use both to create responsive, practical, and well-designed websites Helps you understand how HTML5 and CSS3 are the foundation upon which hundreds of millions of web pages are built Features full-color illustrations to enhance your learning process Beginning HTML5 and CSS3 For Dummies is the perfect first step for getting started with the fundamentals of web development and design.
”
Amazon.com
10
)
New Perspectives HTML5 and CSS3: Comprehensive
“
Now you can master Web page design as you learn from the unique, hands-on approach found in NEW PERSPECTIVES HTML5 AND CSS3: COMPREHENSIVE, 7E. Each tutorial in this complete book challenges you to put into practice the concepts you have just learned.
Every tutorial includes a basic statement of the problem, the goals you should achieve, and a helpful demonstration of how to complete the task to create a fully functional website. You do not need any prior experience with HTML or CSS or any specialized software other than a basic editor and Web browser.
With the book�s user-friendly approach, you develop important problem-solving skills as you retain the key concepts and apply what you�ve learned in a professional environment. Successfully completing this book�s tutorial cases and case problems acts a springboard in helping you develop your own professional portfolio to showcase your abilities in website design.
Every tutorial includes a basic statement of the problem, the goals you should achieve, and a helpful demonstration of how to complete the task to create a fully functional website. You do not need any prior experience with HTML or CSS or any specialized software other than a basic editor and Web browser.
With the book�s user-friendly approach, you develop important problem-solving skills as you retain the key concepts and apply what you�ve learned in a professional environment. Successfully completing this book�s tutorial cases and case problems acts a springboard in helping you develop your own professional portfolio to showcase your abilities in website design.
”
Amazon.com
9
)
HTML, CSS, and JavaScript All in One: Covering HTML5, CSS3, and ES6, Sams Teach Yourself
“
A solid understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript -- and how they work together -- is vital to any kind of contemporary web development. And these core technologies are only growing in importance as contemporary web development moves away from a reliance on proprietary technologies like Flash for rich interface and mobile applications. Teach Yourself HTML, CSS, and JavaScript All in One combines these three fundamental web development technologies into one clearly written, carefully organized, step-by-step tutorial that expertly guides the beginner through these three interconnected technologies.
By the end of this book the reader will understand how these technologies work, and more importantly, how they work together to create modern web pages and sites. After completing the book's lessons the reader will be able to confidently create basic but professional-looking interactive web sites
By the end of this book the reader will understand how these technologies work, and more importantly, how they work together to create modern web pages and sites. After completing the book's lessons the reader will be able to confidently create basic but professional-looking interactive web sites
”
Amazon.com
8
)
Murach's HTML5 and CSS3, 4th Edition
“
Until now, my websites looked great but have been coded with what seems like duct-tape and bubble-gum methods, just for appearances and not for professionalism or compliance. This book taught me all that is possible with HTML and CSS coding....
What a game changer! That's what one web designer posted about a previous edition of Murach's HTML5 and CSS3. Now, this 4th Edition updates and improves all the HTML and CSS content in the book...and it adds coverage of Flexible Box and Grid Layout, two new CSS3 ways to implement page layouts.
So whether you're a web designer, a JavaScript programmer, a server-side programmer, or a rookie, this book delivers all the HTML and CSS skills that you need on the job. This book begins with an 8-chapter hands-on course that teaches you HTML and CSS from scratch, including the latest HTML5 and CSS3 features.
This short course ends with a chapter that teaches you how to use fluid design and media queries to implement Responsive Web Design so your pages will look good and work right on any screen, from phone to tablet to desktop. After that, the unique design of this book lets you go on to any other chapter to learn new skills whenever you need them.
For example, chapters 9 and 10 show you how to use Flexible Box and Grid Layout. Chapter 13 shows you how to work with forms and data validation.
Chapter 14 shows you how to enhance a site with video clips. Chapter 16 shows you how to use CSS3 transitions, transforms, and animations.
Chapters 17 and 18 show you how to design and deploy a website. Chapters 19 and 20 introduce other professional skills like how to use JavaScript and jQuery and how to use development tools like Bootstrap, SASS, and Emmet
What a game changer! That's what one web designer posted about a previous edition of Murach's HTML5 and CSS3. Now, this 4th Edition updates and improves all the HTML and CSS content in the book...and it adds coverage of Flexible Box and Grid Layout, two new CSS3 ways to implement page layouts.
So whether you're a web designer, a JavaScript programmer, a server-side programmer, or a rookie, this book delivers all the HTML and CSS skills that you need on the job. This book begins with an 8-chapter hands-on course that teaches you HTML and CSS from scratch, including the latest HTML5 and CSS3 features.
This short course ends with a chapter that teaches you how to use fluid design and media queries to implement Responsive Web Design so your pages will look good and work right on any screen, from phone to tablet to desktop. After that, the unique design of this book lets you go on to any other chapter to learn new skills whenever you need them.
For example, chapters 9 and 10 show you how to use Flexible Box and Grid Layout. Chapter 13 shows you how to work with forms and data validation.
Chapter 14 shows you how to enhance a site with video clips. Chapter 16 shows you how to use CSS3 transitions, transforms, and animations.
Chapters 17 and 18 show you how to design and deploy a website. Chapters 19 and 20 introduce other professional skills like how to use JavaScript and jQuery and how to use development tools like Bootstrap, SASS, and Emmet
”
Amazon.com
7
)
Learning Web Design: A Beginner's Guide to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics
“
Do you want to build web pages but have no prior experience? This friendly guide is the perfect place to start. You’ll begin at square one, learning how the web and web pages work, and then steadily build from there.
By the end of the book, you’ll have the skills to create a simple site with multicolumn pages that adapt for mobile devices. Each chapter provides exercises to help you learn various techniques and short quizzes to make sure you understand key concepts.
This thoroughly revised edition is ideal for students and professionals of all backgrounds and skill levels. It is simple and clear enough for beginners, yet thorough enough to be a useful reference for experienced developers keeping their skills up to date
By the end of the book, you’ll have the skills to create a simple site with multicolumn pages that adapt for mobile devices. Each chapter provides exercises to help you learn various techniques and short quizzes to make sure you understand key concepts.
This thoroughly revised edition is ideal for students and professionals of all backgrounds and skill levels. It is simple and clear enough for beginners, yet thorough enough to be a useful reference for experienced developers keeping their skills up to date
”
Amazon.com
6
)
HTML5 and CSS3 All-in-One For Dummies
“
A new edition of a bestseller covers the latest advances in web development! HTML5 and CSS3 are essential tools for creating dynamic websites and boast updates and enhanced features that can make your websites even more effective and unique. This friendly, all-in-one guide covers everything you need to know about each of these technologies and their latest versions so that you can use them together.
Building on the bestselling formats of the first two editions, this new edition teaches you the fundamentals of HTML5 and CSS3, and then presents ways for using them with JavaScript, MySQL, and Ajax to create websites that work. Covers using JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, and Ajax in the context of programming dynamic web pages with CSS3 and HTML5 Includes self-contained minibooks that review HTML, CSS, design and layout, client-side JavaScript, Ajax and server-side, and putting it all together Examines new web development advancements including new technologies and changes to the standards Features a website that contains supporting materials including code and several valuable programs that are useful for web development HTML5 and CSS3 All-in-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition serves as the perfect reference for both web development beginners and seasoned professionals looking to learn more about how to get the most out of the powerful combination of HTML5 and CSS3.
Building on the bestselling formats of the first two editions, this new edition teaches you the fundamentals of HTML5 and CSS3, and then presents ways for using them with JavaScript, MySQL, and Ajax to create websites that work. Covers using JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, and Ajax in the context of programming dynamic web pages with CSS3 and HTML5 Includes self-contained minibooks that review HTML, CSS, design and layout, client-side JavaScript, Ajax and server-side, and putting it all together Examines new web development advancements including new technologies and changes to the standards Features a website that contains supporting materials including code and several valuable programs that are useful for web development HTML5 and CSS3 All-in-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition serves as the perfect reference for both web development beginners and seasoned professionals looking to learn more about how to get the most out of the powerful combination of HTML5 and CSS3.
”
Amazon.com
5
)
Learning Web Design: A Beginner's Guide to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics
“
Do you want to build web pages, but have no previous experience? This friendly guide is the perfect place to start. You’ll begin at square one, learning how the Web and web pages work, and then steadily build from there.
By the end of the book, you’ll have the skills to create a simple site with multi-column pages that adapt for mobile devices. Learn how to use the latest techniques, best practices, and current web standards—including HTML5 and CSS3.
Each chapter provides exercises to help you to learn various techniques, and short quizzes to make sure you understand key concepts. This thoroughly revised edition is ideal for students and professionals of all backgrounds and skill levels, whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on existing skills
By the end of the book, you’ll have the skills to create a simple site with multi-column pages that adapt for mobile devices. Learn how to use the latest techniques, best practices, and current web standards—including HTML5 and CSS3.
Each chapter provides exercises to help you to learn various techniques, and short quizzes to make sure you understand key concepts. This thoroughly revised edition is ideal for students and professionals of all backgrounds and skill levels, whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on existing skills
”
Amazon.com
4
)
Head First HTML and CSS: A Learner's Guide to Creating Standards-Based Web Pages
“
Tired of reading HTML books that only make sense after you're an expert? Then it's about time you picked up Head First HTML and CSS, and really learned HTML. You want to learn HTML so you can finally create those web pages you've always wanted, so you can communicate more effectively with friends, family, fans, and fanatic customers.
You also want to do it right so you can actually maintain and expand your web pages over time so they work in all browsers and mobile devices. Oh, and if you've never heard of CSS, that's okay--we won't tell anyone you're still partying like it's 1999--but if you're going to create web pages in the 21st century then you'll want to know and understand CSS.
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). Most importantly, hold your own with your co-worker (and impress cocktail party guests) when he casually mentions how his HTML is now strict, and his CSS is in an external style sheet.
With Head First HTML and CSS, you'll avoid the embarrassment of thinking web-safe colors still matter, and the foolishness of slipping a font tag into your pages. Best of all, you'll learn HTML and CSS in a way that won't put you to sleep.
If you've read a Head First book, you know what to expect: a visually-rich format designed for the way your brain works. 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.
So what are you waiting for? Leave those other dusty books behind and come join us in Webville. Your tour is about to begin.
You also want to do it right so you can actually maintain and expand your web pages over time so they work in all browsers and mobile devices. Oh, and if you've never heard of CSS, that's okay--we won't tell anyone you're still partying like it's 1999--but if you're going to create web pages in the 21st century then you'll want to know and understand CSS.
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). Most importantly, hold your own with your co-worker (and impress cocktail party guests) when he casually mentions how his HTML is now strict, and his CSS is in an external style sheet.
With Head First HTML and CSS, you'll avoid the embarrassment of thinking web-safe colors still matter, and the foolishness of slipping a font tag into your pages. Best of all, you'll learn HTML and CSS in a way that won't put you to sleep.
If you've read a Head First book, you know what to expect: a visually-rich format designed for the way your brain works. 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.
So what are you waiting for? Leave those other dusty books behind and come join us in Webville. Your tour is about to begin.
”
Amazon.com
3
)
Get Coding!: Learn HTML, CSS & JavaScript & Build a Website, App & Game
“
Learn how to write HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and build your own website, app, and game! An essential guide to computer programming for kids— by kids. Crack open this book and set off on several fun missions — while simultaneously learning the basics of writing code.
Want to make a website from scratch? Create an app? Build a game? All the tools are here, laid out in a user-friendly format that leads kids on an imaginary quest to keep a valuable diamond safe from dangerous jewel thieves. Presented by Young Rewired State — an international collective of tech-savvy kids — in easy-to-follow, bite-size chunks, the real-life coding skills taught in this engaging, comprehensive guide may just set young readers on the path to becoming technology stars of the future.
Want to make a website from scratch? Create an app? Build a game? All the tools are here, laid out in a user-friendly format that leads kids on an imaginary quest to keep a valuable diamond safe from dangerous jewel thieves. Presented by Young Rewired State — an international collective of tech-savvy kids — in easy-to-follow, bite-size chunks, the real-life coding skills taught in this engaging, comprehensive guide may just set young readers on the path to becoming technology stars of the future.
”
Amazon.com
2
)
HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites
“
A full-color introduction to the basics of HTML and CSS from the publishers of Wrox! Every day, more and more people want to learn some HTML and CSS. Joining the professional web designers and programmers are new audiences who need to know a little bit of code at work (update a content management system or e-commerce store) and those who want to make their personal blogs more attractive.
Many books teaching HTML and CSS are dry and only written for those who want to become programmers, which is why this book takes an entirely new approach. Introduces HTML and CSS in a way that makes them accessible to everyone―hobbyists, students, and professionals―and it’s full-color throughout Utilizes information graphics and lifestyle photography to explain the topics in a simple way that is engaging Boasts a unique structure that allows you to progress through the chapters from beginning to end or just dip into topics of particular interest at your leisure This educational book is one that you will enjoy picking up, reading, then referring back to
Many books teaching HTML and CSS are dry and only written for those who want to become programmers, which is why this book takes an entirely new approach. Introduces HTML and CSS in a way that makes them accessible to everyone―hobbyists, students, and professionals―and it’s full-color throughout Utilizes information graphics and lifestyle photography to explain the topics in a simple way that is engaging Boasts a unique structure that allows you to progress through the chapters from beginning to end or just dip into topics of particular interest at your leisure This educational book is one that you will enjoy picking up, reading, then referring back to
”
Amazon.com
1
)
Web Design with HTML, CSS, JavaScript and jQuery Set
“
A two-book set for web designers and front-end developers This two-book set combines the titles HTML & CSS: Designing and Building Web Sites and JavaScript & jQuery: Interactive Front-End Development. Together these two books form an ideal platform for anyone who wants to master HTML and CSS before stepping up to JavaScript and jQuery.
HTML & CSS covers structure, text, links, images, tables, forms, useful options, adding style with CSS, fonts, colors, thinking in boxes, styling lists and tables, layouts, grids, and even SEO, Google analytics, ftp, and HTML5. JavaScript & jQuery offers an excellent combined introduction to these two technologies using a clear and simple visual approach using diagrams, infographics, and photographs
HTML & CSS covers structure, text, links, images, tables, forms, useful options, adding style with CSS, fonts, colors, thinking in boxes, styling lists and tables, layouts, grids, and even SEO, Google analytics, ftp, and HTML5. JavaScript & jQuery offers an excellent combined introduction to these two technologies using a clear and simple visual approach using diagrams, infographics, and photographs
”
Amazon.comConclusion
I hope that you liked this list. Please do not hesitate to check out the other ones I've published.