Using HTML 3.2 is a handy reference for novice users who want their information in non-technical terms. Stauffer starts with the expectation that you know absolutely zilch about HTML, and he builds slowly and soothingly from there, spoon-feeding you the techniques in bite-size chunks.
The author's pleasant sense of humor enlivens the text. "Want a challenge? Try to get through two hours of your waking life without encountering a list. Sure you could avoid watching Letterman. Or at least avoid the Top Ten segment." Graphics and boxes with tips (the one for lists is entitled "Blessed is the list maker?") make this book easy and pleasant reading.
The book isn't limited to basics. In addition to learning how to create HTML text, graphics, and links, you'll discover how to design tables and frames, use style sheets, add Java applets, and even script your pages with JavaScript.
This is a Web programmer's dream (or nightmare, depending on how addicted to programming you are). An enormous (1084 pages) book with six complete reference sections in it: an HTML reference, a Perl reference, a Java reference, a JavaScript reference, a VBScript reference, and an ActiveX reference. If you're just starting getting your feet wet with HTML, avoid this book for awhile - unless you're into drowning. But for technology lovers who dream at night about operators, variables, functions, and the like, this mammoth volume should be on your wish list.
Each section begins with an overview and information that help you navigate your way through the reference material and find what you need. Although it's by no means a tutorial, the book does explain the basics. For example, you'll learn the main syntactic rules for Perl scripts, the meaning of scalars, and the purpose of associative arrays.
Most of the book, however, focuses on references, such as HTML, JavaScript, and VBScript commands; Java organized by field, method, class, and library; and Perl arranged in UNIX sort order. The one exception is the ActiveX section, which is written in a more narrative style. That section covers the Control Pad and HTML Layout Control.