Webdesign Guides for Beginning and More Advanced Web Designers
The tasks that are involved in webdesign are many and complicated. While it is not hugely difficult to get a basic competence in subjects like HTML, CSS, WYSIWYG-type web editors, image editing, etc. it is nevertheless a continuous and demanding process to learn to become a true professional in the webdesign field and to keep up with the new developments and trends. In addition to reading good web resources, getting a few books can be helpful in this regard. Preferably these books should be quite recently written so that they can provide up to date information on the topic of webdesign.
Web Design All-in-one For Dummies is a good place to start. It covers issues like planning, target audience, what programs to use, HTML, CSS, Javascript, layout planning, graphics optimization, and much more. The “For Dummies” approach is good for not scaring away those who might be unsure of their ability to master the complexities of webdesign with the help of a more advanced book. But even working professionals may find something of value in this book.
The Web Designer's Idea Book, Volume 2
The Web Designer’s Idea Book, Volume 2 takes a different approach and focuses on teaching and inspiring the visual aspects of good web design by showing hundreds of examples from actual sites. This can be a really good way to get ideas for your own designs, even though you probably don’t cant to just copy the visual appearance of any of the presented webdesign examples entirely. In addition to giving hundreds of examples, this book also explains the basics of webdesign principles in a separate chapter.