Would recommend, 05 Sep 2008
I bought the 2001 version when I was a student and purchased this one because I wanted to get back into writing again. It has definately improved with age and still contains every contact an aspiring writing could ever need. There's a very in-depth article in this addition on the UK tax implications for the writer which I found interesting (perhaps, that says more about the reviewer than the book!).

Would highly recommend and best to read with a notepad, pen and highlighter handy.

Comprehensive listings guide - but the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is better, 23 Oct 2007
There are two books on the market which are widely touted as 'must-haves' for any writer looking to get into publication. One is this book, "The Writer's Handbook" (TWH), published by Macmillan. Its rival, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), is published by A&C Black. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, TV/radio producers, festivals, writing courses etc. You only really need one of them - but which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. Much will come down to personal preference regarding the layout of the two books, and so if you can get the chance to compare them before you buy, all the better. However, to me the W&AY appears the more polished product, with a clearer table of contents and a more easily navigable structure.

What the TWH really lacks compared to the W&AY is the latter's many detailed and informative articles written by publishers, agents and successful writers (J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell, Joanna Trollope, to name a few). The W&AY has about 170 pages' worth of these in total (100 on books alone), discussing different genres and aspects of the writing process, as well as covering diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing, writing for TV, radio and theatre, and e-publishing. TWH, by comparison, has only about 30 pages of such articles. This in my opinion sets the W&AY apart and makes it far more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing.

This is not to say that there is anything particularly wrong with TWH - it is perfectly adequate for what it is. To be certain, buyers interested mainly in the listings (perhaps those already looking for an agent or publisher) will not be disappointed. All in all, however, my recommendation has to go to the "Writer's & Artist's Yearbook", for the added value of the sheer wealth of information and advice it contains.

Would recommend, 05 Sep 2008
I bought the 2001 version when I was a student and purchased this one because I wanted to get back into writing again. It has definately improved with age and still contains every contact an aspiring writing could ever need. There's a very in-depth article in this addition on the UK tax implications for the writer which I found interesting (perhaps, that says more about the reviewer than the book!).

Would highly recommend and best to read with a notepad, pen and highlighter handy.

Comprehensive listings guide - but the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is better, 23 Oct 2007
There are two books on the market which are widely touted as 'must-haves' for any writer looking to get into publication. One is this book, "The Writer's Handbook" (TWH), published by Macmillan. Its rival, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), is published by A&C Black. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, TV/radio producers, festivals, writing courses etc. You only really need one of them - but which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. Much will come down to personal preference regarding the layout of the two books, and so if you can get the chance to compare them before you buy, all the better. However, to me the W&AY appears the more polished product, with a clearer table of contents and a more easily navigable structure.

What the TWH really lacks compared to the W&AY is the latter's many detailed and informative articles written by publishers, agents and successful writers (J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell, Joanna Trollope, to name a few). The W&AY has about 170 pages' worth of these in total (100 on books alone), discussing different genres and aspects of the writing process, as well as covering diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing, writing for TV, radio and theatre, and e-publishing. TWH, by comparison, has only about 30 pages of such articles. This in my opinion sets the W&AY apart and makes it far more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing.

This is not to say that there is anything particularly wrong with TWH - it is perfectly adequate for what it is. To be certain, buyers interested mainly in the listings (perhaps those already looking for an agent or publisher) will not be disappointed. All in all, however, my recommendation has to go to the "Writer's & Artist's Yearbook", for the added value of the sheer wealth of information and advice it contains.

Useful Compilation, 25 Oct 2008
This book is a really useful addition to the web designers arsenal - it's sort of a mix between Designmeltdown.com (created by the author) and www.cssimpress.com - with the best bits saved for this book. If you are lacking the inspiration which you usually have, or if you can't go through the whole of DesignMeltdown's archives - this is for you.

Would recommend, 05 Sep 2008
I bought the 2001 version when I was a student and purchased this one because I wanted to get back into writing again. It has definately improved with age and still contains every contact an aspiring writing could ever need. There's a very in-depth article in this addition on the UK tax implications for the writer which I found interesting (perhaps, that says more about the reviewer than the book!).

Would highly recommend and best to read with a notepad, pen and highlighter handy.

Comprehensive listings guide - but the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is better, 23 Oct 2007
There are two books on the market which are widely touted as 'must-haves' for any writer looking to get into publication. One is this book, "The Writer's Handbook" (TWH), published by Macmillan. Its rival, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), is published by A&C Black. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, TV/radio producers, festivals, writing courses etc. You only really need one of them - but which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. Much will come down to personal preference regarding the layout of the two books, and so if you can get the chance to compare them before you buy, all the better. However, to me the W&AY appears the more polished product, with a clearer table of contents and a more easily navigable structure.

What the TWH really lacks compared to the W&AY is the latter's many detailed and informative articles written by publishers, agents and successful writers (J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell, Joanna Trollope, to name a few). The W&AY has about 170 pages' worth of these in total (100 on books alone), discussing different genres and aspects of the writing process, as well as covering diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing, writing for TV, radio and theatre, and e-publishing. TWH, by comparison, has only about 30 pages of such articles. This in my opinion sets the W&AY apart and makes it far more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing.

This is not to say that there is anything particularly wrong with TWH - it is perfectly adequate for what it is. To be certain, buyers interested mainly in the listings (perhaps those already looking for an agent or publisher) will not be disappointed. All in all, however, my recommendation has to go to the "Writer's & Artist's Yearbook", for the added value of the sheer wealth of information and advice it contains.

Useful Compilation, 25 Oct 2008
This book is a really useful addition to the web designers arsenal - it's sort of a mix between Designmeltdown.com (created by the author) and www.cssimpress.com - with the best bits saved for this book. If you are lacking the inspiration which you usually have, or if you can't go through the whole of DesignMeltdown's archives - this is for you.

Fantastic resource for writers, 16 Nov 2008
In previous years I have purchased both the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook and the Writer's Handbook, but last year decided to give Writer's Market UK a try.

I was so impressed, I bought the 2009 version, rather than going back to either of the other two. I feel there is more inforamation and the accompanying website (which is free to use) is invaluable.

Clearly, directories of this sort have to be compiled many months in advance of the year stated on the front, and so some information will be outdated by the time many people purchase the book. There will always be changes to the staff of magazines and publishing houses, and this will be an issue that affects all three of the main writers' directories, not just Writer's Market UK. Writers should ALWAYS verify contact details themselves, by checking a current issue of a magazine, contacting the publishing house directly, etc. This is also where the Writer's Market website comes in handy, as this is a resource that can be kept up to date on an ongoing basis.

It is a very chunky book - much larger than the other directories, which means it isn't the most portable. It is easy to find your way around the various sections, and it is very well laid out.

This is definitely my directory of choice and I will continue to be a loyal customer in the future.

Poor binding, 12 Nov 2008
Poor binding, 12 Nov 2008
By Mrs. M. C. Gulliver (Scotland) - See all my reviews


Writer's Market 2009
The articles are good, but the second time I opened the book, a page detached and a section of about 40 pages came loose.

If you're a poet it's not a good buy. The main poetry magazines aren't under UK and Irish Poetry, they're mixed in with Magazines, so you either have to know their names, or plough through all the entries to find them.
Also, two that I know well, have out of date information - wrong editors and addresses for Iota and wrong address for The North.

There could be similar errors that I'm unaware of.
So I'm back to the Writers Handbook.



An informative and helpful directory..., 25 Aug 2008
Writer's Market UK is an informative and helpful read. The majority of this book is made up of a directory of magazines, publishers, theatres, agencies, resources and competitions. The layout is attractive and the information exhaustive, but there are other more established handbooks offering similar information. Where Writer's Market UK scores is in the hundred plus pages of articles.

Sadly I found the tone of some of these articles rather depressing. Yes, I know the odds are stacked against me making a living from writing - but the purpose of buying a book like this is to learn how to success in this goal. I've not felt this negative tone in similar directories I've read.

There are positive and inspiring articles. The first is by Joanne Harris, in which we learn she doesn't plan her books. There seems to be a continuum of writers, from those that start at page one and go - and those who plan everything in detail. I'm still working out where I am on that line, so it was interesting to get the point of view of an author I admire.

Elizabeth Kay's article about writing for children was my favourite. Gallons Of Lemonade, And Steak And Kidney Pud was refreshingly written and contained many gems. She also shows she knows her market when she talks about children not being idiots, merely having smaller vocabularies and less experience.

Inevitably information in a directory like this goes out of date, but it is a useful first point for further research. Writer's Market UK is a helpful tool if you want to sell what you write.

A bible for budding writers, 13 Aug 2008
Contains a lot of useful information that is not in the Writers and Artists Yearbook, such as 'tips' on agents and publishers, and entries for individual imprints within the larger publishers, which makes it easier to navigate in many ways for first-time authors. Buy both!

A bit different, 07 Aug 2008
There's an awful lot of information in this book. What I liked best were the articles about different aspects of writing, such as The Publishing House - who does what. I thought the layout was particularly useful - it's so nice to be able to thumb through the pages and see from the coloured edges where you are, a bit like a fieldguide for flowers!

Would recommend, 05 Sep 2008
I bought the 2001 version when I was a student and purchased this one because I wanted to get back into writing again. It has definately improved with age and still contains every contact an aspiring writing could ever need. There's a very in-depth article in this addition on the UK tax implications for the writer which I found interesting (perhaps, that says more about the reviewer than the book!).

Would highly recommend and best to read with a notepad, pen and highlighter handy.

Comprehensive listings guide - but the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is better, 23 Oct 2007
There are two books on the market which are widely touted as 'must-haves' for any writer looking to get into publication. One is this book, "The Writer's Handbook" (TWH), published by Macmillan. Its rival, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), is published by A&C Black. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, TV/radio producers, festivals, writing courses etc. You only really need one of them - but which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. Much will come down to personal preference regarding the layout of the two books, and so if you can get the chance to compare them before you buy, all the better. However, to me the W&AY appears the more polished product, with a clearer table of contents and a more easily navigable structure.

What the TWH really lacks compared to the W&AY is the latter's many detailed and informative articles written by publishers, agents and successful writers (J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell, Joanna Trollope, to name a few). The W&AY has about 170 pages' worth of these in total (100 on books alone), discussing different genres and aspects of the writing process, as well as covering diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing, writing for TV, radio and theatre, and e-publishing. TWH, by comparison, has only about 30 pages of such articles. This in my opinion sets the W&AY apart and makes it far more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing.

This is not to say that there is anything particularly wrong with TWH - it is perfectly adequate for what it is. To be certain, buyers interested mainly in the listings (perhaps those already looking for an agent or publisher) will not be disappointed. All in all, however, my recommendation has to go to the "Writer's & Artist's Yearbook", for the added value of the sheer wealth of information and advice it contains.

Useful Compilation, 25 Oct 2008
This book is a really useful addition to the web designers arsenal - it's sort of a mix between Designmeltdown.com (created by the author) and www.cssimpress.com - with the best bits saved for this book. If you are lacking the inspiration which you usually have, or if you can't go through the whole of DesignMeltdown's archives - this is for you.

Fantastic resource for writers, 16 Nov 2008
In previous years I have purchased both the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook and the Writer's Handbook, but last year decided to give Writer's Market UK a try.

I was so impressed, I bought the 2009 version, rather than going back to either of the other two. I feel there is more inforamation and the accompanying website (which is free to use) is invaluable.

Clearly, directories of this sort have to be compiled many months in advance of the year stated on the front, and so some information will be outdated by the time many people purchase the book. There will always be changes to the staff of magazines and publishing houses, and this will be an issue that affects all three of the main writers' directories, not just Writer's Market UK. Writers should ALWAYS verify contact details themselves, by checking a current issue of a magazine, contacting the publishing house directly, etc. This is also where the Writer's Market website comes in handy, as this is a resource that can be kept up to date on an ongoing basis.

It is a very chunky book - much larger than the other directories, which means it isn't the most portable. It is easy to find your way around the various sections, and it is very well laid out.

This is definitely my directory of choice and I will continue to be a loyal customer in the future.

Poor binding, 12 Nov 2008
Poor binding, 12 Nov 2008
By Mrs. M. C. Gulliver (Scotland) - See all my reviews


Writer's Market 2009
The articles are good, but the second time I opened the book, a page detached and a section of about 40 pages came loose.

If you're a poet it's not a good buy. The main poetry magazines aren't under UK and Irish Poetry, they're mixed in with Magazines, so you either have to know their names, or plough through all the entries to find them.
Also, two that I know well, have out of date information - wrong editors and addresses for Iota and wrong address for The North.

There could be similar errors that I'm unaware of.
So I'm back to the Writers Handbook.



An informative and helpful directory..., 25 Aug 2008
Writer's Market UK is an informative and helpful read. The majority of this book is made up of a directory of magazines, publishers, theatres, agencies, resources and competitions. The layout is attractive and the information exhaustive, but there are other more established handbooks offering similar information. Where Writer's Market UK scores is in the hundred plus pages of articles.

Sadly I found the tone of some of these articles rather depressing. Yes, I know the odds are stacked against me making a living from writing - but the purpose of buying a book like this is to learn how to success in this goal. I've not felt this negative tone in similar directories I've read.

There are positive and inspiring articles. The first is by Joanne Harris, in which we learn she doesn't plan her books. There seems to be a continuum of writers, from those that start at page one and go - and those who plan everything in detail. I'm still working out where I am on that line, so it was interesting to get the point of view of an author I admire.

Elizabeth Kay's article about writing for children was my favourite. Gallons Of Lemonade, And Steak And Kidney Pud was refreshingly written and contained many gems. She also shows she knows her market when she talks about children not being idiots, merely having smaller vocabularies and less experience.

Inevitably information in a directory like this goes out of date, but it is a useful first point for further research. Writer's Market UK is a helpful tool if you want to sell what you write.

A bible for budding writers, 13 Aug 2008
Contains a lot of useful information that is not in the Writers and Artists Yearbook, such as 'tips' on agents and publishers, and entries for individual imprints within the larger publishers, which makes it easier to navigate in many ways for first-time authors. Buy both!

A bit different, 07 Aug 2008
There's an awful lot of information in this book. What I liked best were the articles about different aspects of writing, such as The Publishing House - who does what. I thought the layout was particularly useful - it's so nice to be able to thumb through the pages and see from the coloured edges where you are, a bit like a fieldguide for flowers!

A good book by a master in his field, 19 Jun 2008
Eric Meyer is chief aiuthority in this field and this book was perfect for what I needed to know on CSS for part of my degree project on accessibility and tableless design.

Good, but not that good a read., 22 Apr 2008
I can't fault this book for its content. It does indeed cover the A to Z of CSS. However, I personally found it very dry. I went through it from cover to cover, and the examples etc all worked as stated (in comparison to far too many books out there which are full of errors), however, I have had no real urge to return to it for reference since.

I've given it 4 stars because anything less than that would be criminal. However, it didn't engage me like some of the better CSS books out there.

Excellent general text, 31 Jan 2008
Computer text books are rarely as clear, comprehensive and easy to use as this one. Well written, good indexing and well thought out examples.

I went from zero knowledge to being totally at home with CSS using just this book and the odd web search.



Very good Reference for any Web Developer, 28 Nov 2007
The book is big and I think not meant to be read but taken as a reference instead. Basically it is very helpful when you need to fix a display issue or find the exact meaning of any CSS attribute. What I like is the accuracy and the amount of information you can find in this book. I would recommend it for any web developer working on very recent web designs.

An excellent reference, but don't mistake it for an introduction., 02 Aug 2006
In this fantastically detailed book, Eric Meyer explains the basics of css and systematically elaborates on each css property, their scope, and values. Whilst the book is not designed to be read as a guide or an introduction, it does make an excellent reference for those times when you need definitive information on a particular css property.

If you're looking to learn about css, I wouldn't recommend relying on this book alone; buy yourself a real beginner's guide, and maybe get this as a reference tool for when you need to clarify something. As I learnt more about css, I found often found myself flicking through the book and having moments of realisation when paragraph or two would clarify something I'd read elsewhere. That's the sign of a good reference book.

Some people may find the book a little heavy going to begin with. I don't think the book has been designed with the intention that the reader go through it cover to cover in one go. I found that reading a lot of the book at once left me with a lot of questions: these were answered through practical experience with css, and through other, less detailed, introductions. However, I do feel as though the difficulties I had were a result of my lack of understanding rather than any real problem with the book itself; it's still the one book I'll turn to when the others don't answer my questions.

All in all, this is a great book: it won't walk you through your first steps in css, but it does provide exactly what you need when you're lost and need some real answers. If you're new to css, pair this book up with a well-rated introductory text, and you'll be all set to go. For those who have some practical css experience, I'd recommend this as a great reference tool, without hesitation.

Would recommend, 05 Sep 2008
I bought the 2001 version when I was a student and purchased this one because I wanted to get back into writing again. It has definately improved with age and still contains every contact an aspiring writing could ever need. There's a very in-depth article in this addition on the UK tax implications for the writer which I found interesting (perhaps, that says more about the reviewer than the book!).

Would highly recommend and best to read with a notepad, pen and highlighter handy.

Comprehensive listings guide - but the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is better, 23 Oct 2007
There are two books on the market which are widely touted as 'must-haves' for any writer looking to get into publication. One is this book, "The Writer's Handbook" (TWH), published by Macmillan. Its rival, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), is published by A&C Black. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, TV/radio producers, festivals, writing courses etc. You only really need one of them - but which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. Much will come down to personal preference regarding the layout of the two books, and so if you can get the chance to compare them before you buy, all the better. However, to me the W&AY appears the more polished product, with a clearer table of contents and a more easily navigable structure.

What the TWH really lacks compared to the W&AY is the latter's many detailed and informative articles written by publishers, agents and successful writers (J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell, Joanna Trollope, to name a few). The W&AY has about 170 pages' worth of these in total (100 on books alone), discussing different genres and aspects of the writing process, as well as covering diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing, writing for TV, radio and theatre, and e-publishing. TWH, by comparison, has only about 30 pages of such articles. This in my opinion sets the W&AY apart and makes it far more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing.

This is not to say that there is anything particularly wrong with TWH - it is perfectly adequate for what it is. To be certain, buyers interested mainly in the listings (perhaps those already looking for an agent or publisher) will not be disappointed. All in all, however, my recommendation has to go to the "Writer's & Artist's Yearbook", for the added value of the sheer wealth of information and advice it contains.

Useful Compilation, 25 Oct 2008
This book is a really useful addition to the web designers arsenal - it's sort of a mix between Designmeltdown.com (created by the author) and www.cssimpress.com - with the best bits saved for this book. If you are lacking the inspiration which you usually have, or if you can't go through the whole of DesignMeltdown's archives - this is for you.

Fantastic resource for writers, 16 Nov 2008
In previous years I have purchased both the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook and the Writer's Handbook, but last year decided to give Writer's Market UK a try.

I was so impressed, I bought the 2009 version, rather than going back to either of the other two. I feel there is more inforamation and the accompanying website (which is free to use) is invaluable.

Clearly, directories of this sort have to be compiled many months in advance of the year stated on the front, and so some information will be outdated by the time many people purchase the book. There will always be changes to the staff of magazines and publishing houses, and this will be an issue that affects all three of the main writers' directories, not just Writer's Market UK. Writers should ALWAYS verify contact details themselves, by checking a current issue of a magazine, contacting the publishing house directly, etc. This is also where the Writer's Market website comes in handy, as this is a resource that can be kept up to date on an ongoing basis.

It is a very chunky book - much larger than the other directories, which means it isn't the most portable. It is easy to find your way around the various sections, and it is very well laid out.

This is definitely my directory of choice and I will continue to be a loyal customer in the future.

Poor binding, 12 Nov 2008
Poor binding, 12 Nov 2008
By Mrs. M. C. Gulliver (Scotland) - See all my reviews


Writer's Market 2009
The articles are good, but the second time I opened the book, a page detached and a section of about 40 pages came loose.

If you're a poet it's not a good buy. The main poetry magazines aren't under UK and Irish Poetry, they're mixed in with Magazines, so you either have to know their names, or plough through all the entries to find them.
Also, two that I know well, have out of date information - wrong editors and addresses for Iota and wrong address for The North.

There could be similar errors that I'm unaware of.
So I'm back to the Writers Handbook.



An informative and helpful directory..., 25 Aug 2008
Writer's Market UK is an informative and helpful read. The majority of this book is made up of a directory of magazines, publishers, theatres, agencies, resources and competitions. The layout is attractive and the information exhaustive, but there are other more established handbooks offering similar information. Where Writer's Market UK scores is in the hundred plus pages of articles.

Sadly I found the tone of some of these articles rather depressing. Yes, I know the odds are stacked against me making a living from writing - but the purpose of buying a book like this is to learn how to success in this goal. I've not felt this negative tone in similar directories I've read.

There are positive and inspiring articles. The first is by Joanne Harris, in which we learn she doesn't plan her books. There seems to be a continuum of writers, from those that start at page one and go - and those who plan everything in detail. I'm still working out where I am on that line, so it was interesting to get the point of view of an author I admire.

Elizabeth Kay's article about writing for children was my favourite. Gallons Of Lemonade, And Steak And Kidney Pud was refreshingly written and contained many gems. She also shows she knows her market when she talks about children not being idiots, merely having smaller vocabularies and less experience.

Inevitably information in a directory like this goes out of date, but it is a useful first point for further research. Writer's Market UK is a helpful tool if you want to sell what you write.

A bible for budding writers, 13 Aug 2008
Contains a lot of useful information that is not in the Writers and Artists Yearbook, such as 'tips' on agents and publishers, and entries for individual imprints within the larger publishers, which makes it easier to navigate in many ways for first-time authors. Buy both!

A bit different, 07 Aug 2008
There's an awful lot of information in this book. What I liked best were the articles about different aspects of writing, such as The Publishing House - who does what. I thought the layout was particularly useful - it's so nice to be able to thumb through the pages and see from the coloured edges where you are, a bit like a fieldguide for flowers!

A good book by a master in his field, 19 Jun 2008
Eric Meyer is chief aiuthority in this field and this book was perfect for what I needed to know on CSS for part of my degree project on accessibility and tableless design.

Good, but not that good a read., 22 Apr 2008
I can't fault this book for its content. It does indeed cover the A to Z of CSS. However, I personally found it very dry. I went through it from cover to cover, and the examples etc all worked as stated (in comparison to far too many books out there which are full of errors), however, I have had no real urge to return to it for reference since.

I've given it 4 stars because anything less than that would be criminal. However, it didn't engage me like some of the better CSS books out there.

Excellent general text, 31 Jan 2008
Computer text books are rarely as clear, comprehensive and easy to use as this one. Well written, good indexing and well thought out examples.

I went from zero knowledge to being totally at home with CSS using just this book and the odd web search.



Very good Reference for any Web Developer, 28 Nov 2007
The book is big and I think not meant to be read but taken as a reference instead. Basically it is very helpful when you need to fix a display issue or find the exact meaning of any CSS attribute. What I like is the accuracy and the amount of information you can find in this book. I would recommend it for any web developer working on very recent web designs.

An excellent reference, but don't mistake it for an introduction., 02 Aug 2006
In this fantastically detailed book, Eric Meyer explains the basics of css and systematically elaborates on each css property, their scope, and values. Whilst the book is not designed to be read as a guide or an introduction, it does make an excellent reference for those times when you need definitive information on a particular css property.

If you're looking to learn about css, I wouldn't recommend relying on this book alone; buy yourself a real beginner's guide, and maybe get this as a reference tool for when you need to clarify something. As I learnt more about css, I found often found myself flicking through the book and having moments of realisation when paragraph or two would clarify something I'd read elsewhere. That's the sign of a good reference book.

Some people may find the book a little heavy going to begin with. I don't think the book has been designed with the intention that the reader go through it cover to cover in one go. I found that reading a lot of the book at once left me with a lot of questions: these were answered through practical experience with css, and through other, less detailed, introductions. However, I do feel as though the difficulties I had were a result of my lack of understanding rather than any real problem with the book itself; it's still the one book I'll turn to when the others don't answer my questions.

All in all, this is a great book: it won't walk you through your first steps in css, but it does provide exactly what you need when you're lost and need some real answers. If you're new to css, pair this book up with a well-rated introductory text, and you'll be all set to go. For those who have some practical css experience, I'd recommend this as a great reference tool, without hesitation.

Lots of evangelism, theory and very little practice, 13 May 2007
As a, self-taught, one-man-band website owner/designer/coder/developer I was surprised to realise, upon reading the book, that I was not the 'target audience' for it. I think its more for the middle-men and consultants of big organisations who want to plan a project to the nth degree before a big budget is blown on it.

Because of my hands-on experience, I found that this book merely gave me formal names for many of the processes and aspects of Information Architecture (IA) that I had been implementing already. Despite this, however, I learned a lot from this book. It rounded-off aspects of the topic that I had previously overlooked. It filled some holes and inspired me to make many changes to the information structure of my website.

Unfortunately these gems of knowledge were buried within a lot of waffle. Furthermore, the whole of the first section is pure waffle - which is very frustrating for someone who is eager to learn new practices.

THIS IS AN 'OK BOOK' and you can avoid some of the waffle that I suffered by making the following modifications:
(i) Remove Chapter One (you don't need to read these 15 pages that include waffle on "Why Information Architecture Matters" and two & a half pages on "What Isn't Information Archicture" etc.),
(ii) Remove Chapter Two. It, for example, includes a page titled "Do We Need Information Architects?". It then follows on with 4 more,pointless, pages that provide a thorough list of professions and skills that are related IA! This chapter ends with the message "Now it's time to delve into the guts of IA...so, roll up your sleeves and dig in". The next one starts with "...but before we jump into the actual "stuff" of IA..." -AAARGH!
(iii) So rip out chapter 3 or you'll rip out your hair!
(iv) Next, read chapter 9. (It contains key info that is constantly refered-to throughout the earlier chapters).
(v) Then carry on reading from chapter 4 - Where you actually start learning about actual "stuff" of IA.

This book is 'OK'. It would be so much better if they had structured the information within it a bit better and stripped out about two thirds of the content.

Theory, practice, and a little evangelism too, 19 Feb 2007
When I first told people I was reviewing this book, there was often a blank look. When I explained what information architecture was, then there was invariably a look of pity that passed across their faces. It appears that many people haven't a clue what information architecture actually is, and when they find out, wish they still didn't.

Well, this book has shown me the light. And I'm here to share it with you. Hallelujah, and so forth.

Information is all around us, and thankfully for much of it we have had plenty of time to work out a sensible way or organising it. When you look at a map, you understand the conventions, you know north is going to be up, you know there will be a scale, and so on. So much so, that when those conventions aren't there, if, for example, you are looking at a mappa mundi, you are completely thrown.

A bigger example is that of libraries. We are all used to some form of organisation in libraries - we know that related subjects will be near each other, that we can look this up and go straight to the shelf we want.

This is all well and good, and librarians, such as the authors of this book, have had many years to improve this system, to impose some sort of order on the chaos of so much information. The problem comes, however, when we consider the new sources of information that have exploded over the last 20 years or so. These electronic systems, and the greatest of these is of course the internet, provide completely new challenges - challenges we can start to try and tackle using principles and lessons learnt from other methods of organisation that have been developed elsewhere, but which will ultimately need to be solved in ways we cannot yet fully grasp.

This is where this book comes in. This third edition gives a novice like myself a good grounding in the philosophy behind information architecture, and proceeds to show how this can help in the design of large web sites. Coming from both a web development and a project management background, I felt a sense of relief that the vague concepts I was trying to use were at least recognised elsewhere, and had been developed far beyond what I had been able to. I suspect anyone who has had to grapple with how to display information to users will get a similar feeling when reading this book.

However, the philosophy and semantics are only part of this book. More important is the techniques it describes to actually implement information architecture - both the process, and the likely pitfalls that will be faced in a commercial environment. The formalised process is a good guide to anyone working in this area. (Mind, I would say that - I'm a project manager, so I think processes are intrinsically beautiful...)

These sections of the book, in addition to the examples at the end, provide anyone interested in how to use information architecture to improve their website with the tools they need. There is, however, more to this book.

Information architecture is a very young field. Part of this book is a primer for anyone interested in information architecture as a career, or part of a career. It sets out what, in the opinion of these authors, is a set of ground rules for how to be an information architect - the ethics, what to learn, what tools to use. It follows this with a set of short essays on how to actually sell the concept of IA, because a young discipline needs to carve out its niche in the world, bit by bit, organisation by organisation. It needs people to become enthused by this book, or by others, to take part in the work of popularising IA, to take part in the ongoing work of defining what IA actually is - as a new area of work, there are still many competing views on what it actually is, how it should work, and this book provides only one view of that.

But more importantly, this book shows us that there is still a lot of work to be done in creating a shared set of tools and techniques for navigating this new, vast information resource that we have created. This isn't about making sure commercial websites will make more money, though it will do that. It's not about making people feel happier about their user experience, though it will do that too. It's about making sure we are not overwhelmed, swamped by the sheer volume of data out there. It's about making sure we can find the information we need, and only the information we need, when we want it. It is, in essence, an expression of egalitarianism, the same egalitarianism that drove the internet in its earliest days. If we want to make as much information as possible available, it is ultimately worthless if only a small, trained few can actually find what they need. We need to build the systems that will ensure everyone is able to get to where they need to be.

In short, we need to make sure that the new generation, those who have grown up with the internet a ubiquitous reality, use the best techniques we have had for handling previous information systems, and combine them with completely new ones to create a truly accessible web, one that enables users to get to where they want to be.

So yes, read this book. Use the techniques it talks about. It will make your websites better. But more excitingly, it will let you take part in defining what the map and compass of the internet will actually look like.

Thought provoking book, 27 Jan 2006
The book has many good areas to stimulate thought on the some of the things you should be considering when building applications. Some areas such as librarian practices will have little use in every day work.

Not really a reference book for building usable applications, more of a good night time read.

But for those of you who believe that usability is a big issue that many people overlook, you'll find a friend in this book.

Rather Old, Rather Tired, 12 Jun 2004
This was possibly the first book to use the words "information architecture" in its title that most people ever encountered. It's since become one of the defining IA texts. However, it has not aged very well at all. The discipline of IA has evoloved rapidly over the intervening years, and the view this book has of the field is really now only one facet of it - essentially that of libriarianship and information organisation rather than the wider activities of interaction design and "user experience" that IA has now widened into.

However, as a good, if rather boring introduction to some concepts that budding information architects will need, it's a marginally worthwhile read. The polar bear on the cover is rather a good choice of animal in this case.

Excellent overview - second edition required!, 04 Nov 2002
For someone fairly new to the area, I can't recommend this book enough.
The book is well researched and written in an accessible style - sometimes not an easy thing to do in an area like this.
A couple of minor points:
- The book actually gives some useful pointers for IA for Intranets as well as 'the web' - this should be made more clear
- I don't feel that the book gives adequate information on site maps
- Some of the illustrations look old - this has the result of the book looking like it's out of date - it isn't!

These are minor gripes, however, and should not distract you from buying this book.
But please, 4 years on, can we have a second edition??

Would recommend, 05 Sep 2008
I bought the 2001 version when I was a student and purchased this one because I wanted to get back into writing again. It has definately improved with age and still contains every contact an aspiring writing could ever need. There's a very in-depth article in this addition on the UK tax implications for the writer which I found interesting (perhaps, that says more about the reviewer than the book!).

Would highly recommend and best to read with a notepad, pen and highlighter handy.

Comprehensive listings guide - but the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is better, 23 Oct 2007
There are two books on the market which are widely touted as 'must-haves' for any writer looking to get into publication. One is this book, "The Writer's Handbook" (TWH), published by Macmillan. Its rival, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), is published by A&C Black. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, TV/radio producers, festivals, writing courses etc. You only really need one of them - but which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. Much will come down to personal preference regarding the layout of the two books, and so if you can get the chance to compare them before you buy, all the better. However, to me the W&AY appears the more polished product, with a clearer table of contents and a more easily navigable structure.

What the TWH really lacks compared to the W&AY is the latter's many detailed and informative articles written by publishers, agents and successful writers (J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell, Joanna Trollope, to name a few). The W&AY has about 170 pages' worth of these in total (100 on books alone), discussing different genres and aspects of the writing process, as well as covering diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing, writing for TV, radio and theatre, and e-publishing. TWH, by comparison, has only about 30 pages of such articles. This in my opinion sets the W&AY apart and makes it far more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing.

This is not to say that there is anything particularly wrong with TWH - it is perfectly adequate for what it is. To be certain, buyers interested mainly in the listings (perhaps those already looking for an agent or publisher) will not be disappointed. All in all, however, my recommendation has to go to the "Writer's & Artist's Yearbook", for the added value of the sheer wealth of information and advice it contains.

Useful Compilation, 25 Oct 2008
This book is a really useful addition to the web designers arsenal - it's sort of a mix between Designmeltdown.com (created by the author) and www.cssimpress.com - with the best bits saved for this book. If you are lacking the inspiration which you usually have, or if you can't go through the whole of DesignMeltdown's archives - this is for you.

Fantastic resource for writers, 16 Nov 2008
In previous years I have purchased both the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook and the Writer's Handbook, but last year decided to give Writer's Market UK a try.

I was so impressed, I bought the 2009 version, rather than going back to either of the other two. I feel there is more inforamation and the accompanying website (which is free to use) is invaluable.

Clearly, directories of this sort have to be compiled many months in advance of the year stated on the front, and so some information will be outdated by the time many people purchase the book. There will always be changes to the staff of magazines and publishing houses, and this will be an issue that affects all three of the main writers' directories, not just Writer's Market UK. Writers should ALWAYS verify contact details themselves, by checking a current issue of a magazine, contacting the publishing house directly, etc. This is also where the Writer's Market website comes in handy, as this is a resource that can be kept up to date on an ongoing basis.

It is a very chunky book - much larger than the other directories, which means it isn't the most portable. It is easy to find your way around the various sections, and it is very well laid out.

This is definitely my directory of choice and I will continue to be a loyal customer in the future.

Poor binding, 12 Nov 2008
Poor binding, 12 Nov 2008
By Mrs. M. C. Gulliver (Scotland) - See all my reviews


Writer's Market 2009
The articles are good, but the second time I opened the book, a page detached and a section of about 40 pages came loose.

If you're a poet it's not a good buy. The main poetry magazines aren't under UK and Irish Poetry, they're mixed in with Magazines, so you either have to know their names, or plough through all the entries to find them.
Also, two that I know well, have out of date information - wrong editors and addresses for Iota and wrong address for The North.

There could be similar errors that I'm unaware of.
So I'm back to the Writers Handbook.



An informative and helpful directory..., 25 Aug 2008
Writer's Market UK is an informative and helpful read. The majority of this book is made up of a directory of magazines, publishers, theatres, agencies, resources and competitions. The layout is attractive and the information exhaustive, but there are other more established handbooks offering similar information. Where Writer's Market UK scores is in the hundred plus pages of articles.

Sadly I found the tone of some of these articles rather depressing. Yes, I know the odds are stacked against me making a living from writing - but the purpose of buying a book like this is to learn how to success in this goal. I've not felt this negative tone in similar directories I've read.

There are positive and inspiring articles. The first is by Joanne Harris, in which we learn she doesn't plan her books. There seems to be a continuum of writers, from those that start at page one and go - and those who plan everything in detail. I'm still working out where I am on that line, so it was interesting to get the point of view of an author I admire.

Elizabeth Kay's article about writing for children was my favourite. Gallons Of Lemonade, And Steak And Kidney Pud was refreshingly written and contained many gems. She also shows she knows her market when she talks about children not being idiots, merely having smaller vocabularies and less experience.

Inevitably information in a directory like this goes out of date, but it is a useful first point for further research. Writer's Market UK is a helpful tool if you want to sell what you write.

A bible for budding writers, 13 Aug 2008
Contains a lot of useful information that is not in the Writers and Artists Yearbook, such as 'tips' on agents and publishers, and entries for individual imprints within the larger publishers, which makes it easier to navigate in many ways for first-time authors. Buy both!

A bit different, 07 Aug 2008
There's an awful lot of information in this book. What I liked best were the articles about different aspects of writing, such as The Publishing House - who does what. I thought the layout was particularly useful - it's so nice to be able to thumb through the pages and see from the coloured edges where you are, a bit like a fieldguide for flowers!

A good book by a master in his field, 19 Jun 2008
Eric Meyer is chief aiuthority in this field and this book was perfect for what I needed to know on CSS for part of my degree project on accessibility and tableless design.

Good, but not that good a read., 22 Apr 2008
I can't fault this book for its content. It does indeed cover the A to Z of CSS. However, I personally found it very dry. I went through it from cover to cover, and the examples etc all worked as stated (in comparison to far too many books out there which are full of errors), however, I have had no real urge to return to it for reference since.

I've given it 4 stars because anything less than that would be criminal. However, it didn't engage me like some of the better CSS books out there.

Excellent general text, 31 Jan 2008
Computer text books are rarely as clear, comprehensive and easy to use as this one. Well written, good indexing and well thought out examples.

I went from zero knowledge to being totally at home with CSS using just this book and the odd web search.



Very good Reference for any Web Developer, 28 Nov 2007
The book is big and I think not meant to be read but taken as a reference instead. Basically it is very helpful when you need to fix a display issue or find the exact meaning of any CSS attribute. What I like is the accuracy and the amount of information you can find in this book. I would recommend it for any web developer working on very recent web designs.

An excellent reference, but don't mistake it for an introduction., 02 Aug 2006
In this fantastically detailed book, Eric Meyer explains the basics of css and systematically elaborates on each css property, their scope, and values. Whilst the book is not designed to be read as a guide or an introduction, it does make an excellent reference for those times when you need definitive information on a particular css property.

If you're looking to learn about css, I wouldn't recommend relying on this book alone; buy yourself a real beginner's guide, and maybe get this as a reference tool for when you need to clarify something. As I learnt more about css, I found often found myself flicking through the book and having moments of realisation when paragraph or two would clarify something I'd read elsewhere. That's the sign of a good reference book.

Some people may find the book a little heavy going to begin with. I don't think the book has been designed with the intention that the reader go through it cover to cover in one go. I found that reading a lot of the book at once left me with a lot of questions: these were answered through practical experience with css, and through other, less detailed, introductions. However, I do feel as though the difficulties I had were a result of my lack of understanding rather than any real problem with the book itself; it's still the one book I'll turn to when the others don't answer my questions.

All in all, this is a great book: it won't walk you through your first steps in css, but it does provide exactly what you need when you're lost and need some real answers. If you're new to css, pair this book up with a well-rated introductory text, and you'll be all set to go. For those who have some practical css experience, I'd recommend this as a great reference tool, without hesitation.

Lots of evangelism, theory and very little practice, 13 May 2007
As a, self-taught, one-man-band website owner/designer/coder/developer I was surprised to realise, upon reading the book, that I was not the 'target audience' for it. I think its more for the middle-men and consultants of big organisations who want to plan a project to the nth degree before a big budget is blown on it.

Because of my hands-on experience, I found that this book merely gave me formal names for many of the processes and aspects of Information Architecture (IA) that I had been implementing already. Despite this, however, I learned a lot from this book. It rounded-off aspects of the topic that I had previously overlooked. It filled some holes and inspired me to make many changes to the information structure of my website.

Unfortunately these gems of knowledge were buried within a lot of waffle. Furthermore, the whole of the first section is pure waffle - which is very frustrating for someone who is eager to learn new practices.

THIS IS AN 'OK BOOK' and you can avoid some of the waffle that I suffered by making the following modifications:
(i) Remove Chapter One (you don't need to read these 15 pages that include waffle on "Why Information Architecture Matters" and two & a half pages on "What Isn't Information Archicture" etc.),
(ii) Remove Chapter Two. It, for example, includes a page titled "Do We Need Information Architects?". It then follows on with 4 more,pointless, pages that provide a thorough list of professions and skills that are related IA! This chapter ends with the message "Now it's time to delve into the guts of IA...so, roll up your sleeves and dig in". The next one starts with "...but before we jump into the actual "stuff" of IA..." -AAARGH!
(iii) So rip out chapter 3 or you'll rip out your hair!
(iv) Next, read chapter 9. (It contains key info that is constantly refered-to throughout the earlier chapters).
(v) Then carry on reading from chapter 4 - Where you actually start learning about actual "stuff" of IA.

This book is 'OK'. It would be so much better if they had structured the information within it a bit better and stripped out about two thirds of the content.

Theory, practice, and a little evangelism too, 19 Feb 2007
When I first told people I was reviewing this book, there was often a blank look. When I explained what information architecture was, then there was invariably a look of pity that passed across their faces. It appears that many people haven't a clue what information architecture actually is, and when they find out, wish they still didn't.

Well, this book has shown me the light. And I'm here to share it with you. Hallelujah, and so forth.

Information is all around us, and thankfully for much of it we have had plenty of time to work out a sensible way or organising it. When you look at a map, you understand the conventions, you know north is going to be up, you know there will be a scale, and so on. So much so, that when those conventions aren't there, if, for example, you are looking at a mappa mundi, you are completely thrown.

A bigger example is that of libraries. We are all used to some form of organisation in libraries - we know that related subjects will be near each other, that we can look this up and go straight to the shelf we want.

This is all well and good, and librarians, such as the authors of this book, have had many years to improve this system, to impose some sort of order on the chaos of so much information. The problem comes, however, when we consider the new sources of information that have exploded over the last 20 years or so. These electronic systems, and the greatest of these is of course the internet, provide completely new challenges - challenges we can start to try and tackle using principles and lessons learnt from other methods of organisation that have been developed elsewhere, but which will ultimately need to be solved in ways we cannot yet fully grasp.

This is where this book comes in. This third edition gives a novice like myself a good grounding in the philosophy behind information architecture, and proceeds to show how this can help in the design of large web sites. Coming from both a web development and a project management background, I felt a sense of relief that the vague concepts I was trying to use were at least recognised elsewhere, and had been developed far beyond what I had been able to. I suspect anyone who has had to grapple with how to display information to users will get a similar feeling when reading this book.

However, the philosophy and semantics are only part of this book. More important is the techniques it describes to actually implement information architecture - both the process, and the likely pitfalls that will be faced in a commercial environment. The formalised process is a good guide to anyone working in this area. (Mind, I would say that - I'm a project manager, so I think processes are intrinsically beautiful...)

These sections of the book, in addition to the examples at the end, provide anyone interested in how to use information architecture to improve their website with the tools they need. There is, however, more to this book.

Information architecture is a very young field. Part of this book is a primer for anyone interested in information architecture as a career, or part of a career. It sets out what, in the opinion of these authors, is a set of ground rules for how to be an information architect - the ethics, what to learn, what tools to use. It follows this with a set of short essays on how to actually sell the concept of IA, because a young discipline needs to carve out its niche in the world, bit by bit, organisation by organisation. It needs people to become enthused by this book, or by others, to take part in the work of popularising IA, to take part in the ongoing work of defining what IA actually is - as a new area of work, there are still many competing views on what it actually is, how it should work, and this book provides only one view of that.

But more importantly, this book shows us that there is still a lot of work to be done in creating a shared set of tools and techniques for navigating this new, vast information resource that we have created. This isn't about making sure commercial websites will make more money, though it will do that. It's not about making people feel happier about their user experience, though it will do that too. It's about making sure we are not overwhelmed, swamped by the sheer volume of data out there. It's about making sure we can find the information we need, and only the information we need, when we want it. It is, in essence, an expression of egalitarianism, the same egalitarianism that drove the internet in its earliest days. If we want to make as much information as possible available, it is ultimately worthless if only a small, trained few can actually find what they need. We need to build the systems that will ensure everyone is able to get to where they need to be.

In short, we need to make sure that the new generation, those who have grown up with the internet a ubiquitous reality, use the best techniques we have had for handling previous information systems, and combine them with completely new ones to create a truly accessible web, one that enables users to get to where they want to be.

So yes, read this book. Use the techniques it talks about. It will make your websites better. But more excitingly, it will let you take part in defining what the map and compass of the internet will actually look like.

Thought provoking book, 27 Jan 2006
The book has many good areas to stimulate thought on the some of the things you should be considering when building applications. Some areas such as librarian practices will have little use in every day work.

Not really a reference book for building usable applications, more of a good night time read.

But for those of you who believe that usability is a big issue that many people overlook, you'll find a friend in this book.

Rather Old, Rather Tired, 12 Jun 2004
This was possibly the first book to use the words "information architecture" in its title that most people ever encountered. It's since become one of the defining IA texts. However, it has not aged very well at all. The discipline of IA has evoloved rapidly over the intervening years, and the view this book has of the field is really now only one facet of it - essentially that of libriarianship and information organisation rather than the wider activities of interaction design and "user experience" that IA has now widened into.

However, as a good, if rather boring introduction to some concepts that budding information architects will need, it's a marginally worthwhile read. The polar bear on the cover is rather a good choice of animal in this case.

Excellent overview - second edition required!, 04 Nov 2002
For someone fairly new to the area, I can't recommend this book enough.
The book is well researched and written in an accessible style - sometimes not an easy thing to do in an area like this.
A couple of minor points:
- The book actually gives some useful pointers for IA for Intranets as well as 'the web' - this should be made more clear
- I don't feel that the book gives adequate information on site maps
- Some of the illustrations look old - this has the result of the book looking like it's out of date - it isn't!

These are minor gripes, however, and should not distract you from buying this book.
But please, 4 years on, can we have a second edition??

At last!, 26 Oct 2008
With publishers arranging to advertise any old rubbish before it's even been written, here at last is a good way to find what's worth reading to the very young, instead of just what's on the shelves. Following the recommendations becomes addictive. But, just think! Your determination is enriching the shelves of your local library (ask for a request card when things aren't there. Or ask them to order the book you want through inter-library loan.) There are companion copies for older children too.

Would recommend, 05 Sep 2008
I bought the 2001 version when I was a student and purchased this one because I wanted to get back into writing again. It has definately improved with age and still contains every contact an aspiring writing could ever need. There's a very in-depth article in this addition on the UK tax implications for the writer which I found interesting (perhaps, that says more about the reviewer than the book!).

Would highly recommend and best to read with a notepad, pen and highlighter handy.

Comprehensive listings guide - but the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook is better, 23 Oct 2007
There are two books on the market which are widely touted as 'must-haves' for any writer looking to get into publication. One is this book, "The Writer's Handbook" (TWH), published by Macmillan. Its rival, the "Writers' and Artists' Yearbook" (W&AY), is published by A&C Black. Both contain roughly the same extensive listings of publishers, agents, print media, TV/radio producers, festivals, writing courses etc. You only really need one of them - but which one?

In truth there's little to choose between them. Much will come down to personal preference regarding the layout of the two books, and so if you can get the chance to compare them before you buy, all the better. However, to me the W&AY appears the more polished product, with a clearer table of contents and a more easily navigable structure.

What the TWH really lacks compared to the W&AY is the latter's many detailed and informative articles written by publishers, agents and successful writers (J.K. Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell, Joanna Trollope, to name a few). The W&AY has about 170 pages' worth of these in total (100 on books alone), discussing different genres and aspects of the writing process, as well as covering diverse issues such as self-publishing, marketing, writing for TV, radio and theatre, and e-publishing. TWH, by comparison, has only about 30 pages of such articles. This in my opinion sets the W&AY apart and makes it far more than simply a listings book - it is, in effect, an introduction to the entire world of writing.

This is not to say that there is anything particularly wrong with TWH - it is perfectly adequate for what it is. To be certain, buyers interested mainly in the listings (perhaps those already looking for an agent or publisher) will not be disappointed. All in all, however, my recommendation has to go to the "Writer's & Artist's Yearbook", for the added value of the sheer wealth of information and advice it contains.

Useful Compilation, 25 Oct 2008
This book is a really useful addition to the web designers arsenal - it's sort of a mix between Designmeltdown.com (created by the author) and www.cssimpress.com - with the best bits saved for this book. If you are lacking the inspiration which you usually have, or if you can't go through the whole of DesignMeltdown's archives - this is for you.

Fantastic resource for writers, 16 Nov 2008
In previous years I have purchased both the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook and the Writer's Handbook, but last year decided to give Writer's Market UK a try.

I was so impressed, I bought the 2009 version, rather than going back to either of the other two. I feel there is more inforamation and the accompanying website (which is free to use) is invaluable.

Clearly, directories of this sort have to be compiled many months in advance of the year stated on the front, and so some information will be outdated by the time many people purchase the book. There will always be changes to the staff of magazines and publishing houses, and this will be an issue that affects all three of the main writers' directories, not just Writer's Market UK. Writers should ALWAYS verify contact details themselves, by checking a current issue of a magazine, contacting the publishing house directly, etc. This is also where the Writer's Market website comes in handy, as this is a resource that can be kept up to date on an ongoing basis.

It is a very chunky book - much larger than the other directories, which means it isn't the most portable. It is easy to find your way around the various sections, and it is very well laid out.

This is definitely my directory of choice and I will continue to be a loyal customer in the future.

Poor binding, 12 Nov 2008
Poor binding, 12 Nov 2008
By Mrs. M. C. Gulliver (Scotland) - See all my reviews


Writer's Market 2009
The articles are good, but the second time I opened the book, a page detached and a section of about 40 pages came loose.

If you're a poet it's not a good buy. The main poetry magazines aren't under UK and Irish Poetry, they're mixed in with Magazines, so you either have to know their names, or plough through all the entries to find them.
Also, two that I know well, have out of date information - wrong editors and addresses for Iota and wrong address for The North.

There could be similar errors that I'm unaware of.
So I'm back to the Writers Handbook.



An informative and helpful directory..., 25 Aug 2008
Writer's Market UK is an informative and helpful read. The majority of this book is made up of a directory of magazines, publishers, theatres, agencies, resources and competitions. The layout is attractive and the information exhaustive, but there are other more established handbooks offering similar information. Where Writer's Market UK scores is in the hundred plus pages of articles.

Sadly I found the tone of some of these articles rather depressing. Yes, I know the odds are stacked against me making a living from writing - but the purpose of buying a book like this is to learn how to success in this goal. I've not felt this negative tone in similar directories I've read.

There are positive and inspiring articles. The first is by Joanne Harris, in which we learn she doesn't plan her books. There seems to be a continuum of writers, from those that start at page one and go - and those who plan everything in detail. I'm still working out where I am on that line, so it was interesting to get the point of view of an author I admire.

Elizabeth Kay's article about writing for children was my favourite. Gallons Of Lemonade, And Steak And Kidney Pud was refreshingly written and contained many gems. She also shows she knows her market when she talks about children not being idiots, merely having smaller vocabularies and less experience.

Inevitably information in a directory like this goes out of date, but it is a useful first point for further research. Writer's Market UK is a helpful tool if you want to sell what you write.

A bible for budding writers, 13 Aug 2008
Contains a lot of useful information that is not in the Writers and Artists Yearbook, such as 'tips' on agents and publishers, and entries for individual imprints within the larger publishers, which makes it easier to navigate in many ways for first-time authors. Buy both!

A bit different, 07 Aug 2008
There's an awful lot of information in this book. What I liked best were the articles about different aspects of writing, such as The Publishing House - who does what. I thought the layout was particularly useful - it's so nice to be able to thumb through the pages and see from the coloured edges where you are, a bit like a fieldguide for flowers!

A good book by a master in his field, 19 Jun 2008
Eric Meyer is chief aiuthority in this field and this book was perfect for what I needed to know on CSS for part of my degree project on accessibility and tableless design.

Good, but not that good a read., 22 Apr 2008
I can't fault this book for its content. It does indeed cover the A to Z of CSS. However, I personally found it very dry. I went through it from cover to cover, and the examples etc all worked as stated (in comparison to far too many books out there which are full of errors), however, I have had no real urge to return to it for reference since.

I've given it 4 stars because anything less than that would be criminal. However, it didn't engage me like some of the better CSS books out there.

Excellent general text, 31 Jan 2008
Computer text books are rarely as clear, comprehensive and easy to use as this one. Well written, good indexing and well thought out examples.

I went from zero knowledge to being totally at home with CSS using just this book and the odd web search.



Very good Reference for any Web Developer, 28 Nov 2007
The book is big and I think not meant to be read but taken as a reference instead. Basically it is very helpful when you need to fix a display issue or find the exact meaning of any CSS attribute. What I like is the accuracy and the amount of information you can find in this book. I would recommend it for any web developer working on very recent web designs.

An excellent reference, but don't mistake it for an introduction., 02 Aug 2006
In this fantastically detailed book, Eric Meyer explains the basics of css and systematically elaborates on each css property, their scope, and values. Whilst the book is not designed to be read as a guide or an introduction, it does make an excellent reference for those times when you need definitive information on a particular css property.

If you're looking to learn about css, I wouldn't recommend relying on this book alone; buy yourself a real beginner's guide, and maybe get this as a reference tool for when you need to clarify something. As I learnt more about css, I found often found myself flicking through the book and having moments of realisation when paragraph or two would clarify something I'd read elsewhere. That's the sign of a good reference book.

Some people may find the book a little heavy going to begin with. I don't think the book has been designed with the intention that the reader go through it cover to cover in one go. I found that reading a lot of the book at once left me with a lot of questions: these were answered through practical experience with css, and through other, less detailed, introductions. However, I do feel as though the difficulties I had were a result of my lack of understanding rather than any real problem with the book itself; it's still the one book I'll turn to when the others don't answer my questions.

All in all, this is a great book: it won't walk you through your first steps in css, but it does provide exactly what you need when you're lost and need some real answers. If you're new to css, pair this book up with a well-rated introductory text, and you'll be all set to go. For those who have some practical css experience, I'd recommend this as a great reference tool, without hesitation.

Lots of evangelism, theory and very little practice, 13 May 2007
As a, self-taught, one-man-band website owner/designer/coder/developer I was surprised to realise, upon reading the book, that I was not the 'target audience' for it. I think its more for the middle-men and consultants of big organisations who want to plan a project to the nth degree before a big budget is blown on it.

Because of my hands-on experience, I found that this book merely gave me formal names for many of the processes and aspects of Information Architecture (IA) that I had been implementing already. Despite this, however, I learned a lot from this book. It rounded-off aspects of the topic that I had previously overlooked. It filled some holes and inspired me to make many changes to the information structure of my website.

Unfortunately these gems of knowledge were buried within a lot of waffle. Furthermore, the whole of the first section is pure waffle - which is very frustrating for someone who is eager to learn new practices.

THIS IS AN 'OK BOOK' and you can avoid some of the waffle that I suffered by making the following modifications:
(i) Remove Chapter One (you don't need to read these 15 pages that include waffle on "Why Information Architecture Matters" and two & a half pages on "What Isn't Information Archicture" etc.),
(ii) Remove Chapter Two. It, for example, includes a page titled "Do We Need Information Architects?". It then follows on with 4 more,pointless, pages that provide a thorough list of professions and skills that are related IA! This chapter ends with the message "Now it's time to delve into the guts of IA...so, roll up your sleeves and dig in". The next one starts with "...but before we jump into the actual "stuff" of IA..." -AAARGH!
(iii) So rip out chapter 3 or you'll rip out your hair!
(iv) Next, read chapter 9. (It contains key info that is constantly refered-to throughout the earlier chapters).
(v) Then carry on reading from chapter 4 - Where you actually start learning about actual "stuff" of IA.

This book is 'OK'. It would be so much better if they had structured the information within it a bit better and stripped out about two thirds of the content.

Theory, practice, and a little evangelism too, 19 Feb 2007
When I first told people I was reviewing this book, there was often a blank look. When I explained what information architecture was, then there was invariably a look of pity that passed across their faces. It appears that many people haven't a clue what information architecture actually is, and when they find out, wish they still didn't.

Well, this book has shown me the light. And I'm here to share it with you. Hallelujah, and so forth.

Information is all around us, and thankfully for much of it we have had plenty of time to work out a sensible way or organising it. When you look at a map, you understand the conventions, you know north is going to be up, you know there will be a scale, and so on. So much so, that when those conventions aren't there, if, for example, you are looking at a mappa mundi, you are completely thrown.

A bigger example is that of libraries. We are all used to some form of organisation in libraries - we know that related subjects will be near each other, that we can look this up and go straight to the shelf we want.

This is all well and good, and librarians, such as the authors of this book, have had many years to improve this system, to impose some sort of order on the chaos of so much information. The problem comes, however, when we consider the new sources of information that have exploded over the last 20 years or so. These electronic systems, and the greatest of these is of course the internet, provide completely new challenges - challenges we can start to try and tackle using principles and lessons learnt from other methods of organisation that have been developed elsewhere, but which will ultimately need to be solved in ways we cannot yet fully grasp.

This is where this book comes in. This third edition gives a novice like myself a good grounding in the philosophy behind information architecture, and proceeds to show how this can help in the design of large web sites. Coming from both a web development and a project management background, I felt a sense of relief that the vague concepts I was trying to use were at least recognised elsewhere, and had been developed far beyond what I had been able to. I suspect anyone who has had to grapple with how to display information to users will get a similar feeling when reading this book.

However, the philosophy and semantics are only part of this book. More important is the techniques it describes to actually implement information architecture - both the process, and the likely pitfalls that will be faced in a commercial environment. The formalised process is a good guide to anyone working in this area. (Mind, I would say that - I'm a project manager, so I think proces