Many programming languages help web developers with coding, such as HTML, CSS, Javascript, Python, etc. However, one of the oldest and foundational languages is HTML. If you wish to learn it, online and offline mediums are available. You can take online classes and courses on YouTube. On the other hand, if you are a book lover, then HTML Books are the best option for you!
This post tells you everything you wish to know about the best HTML books available.
What is HTML?
HTML is the standard markup language for creating various web pages. It is used to structure a web page and its content. The markup language has several benefits like being free, easy to use, simple to edit, and more, which make it a popular option. HTML books are a great way to learn this language and gain expertise.
In addition, various series of elements tell the browser how to display content.
What is the Full Form of HTML?
The full form of HTML is Hyper Text Markup Language.
How to Learn HTML?
If you plan to learn web design, HTML would be the ideal platform to start. Learning HTML with the help of books can be a great advantage. However, with plenty of good books available, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer diversity of options.
To help you with that, we have compiled a list of the top ten HTML books for beginners. Read on to figure out the right books for your requirements.
So, let us get started!
10 Best HTML Books
1. HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites
Originally Published- 2011
Author- Jon Duckett
Description- This is a fantastic HTML and CSS book. With its help, you can learn HTML and CSS from scratch. The content is provided in a clear, concise manner, making it easy to read even for complete beginners. The fact that the book is entirely in color also adds to its aesthetics.
Right from the start of the book, it teaches how to build basic web pages and how to display them in the browser. As such, this gives the reader a feeling of accomplishment right from the start. Needless to say, this gives newbies a great deal of confidence.
If you are looking to start a career in web design, HTML and CSS by Jon Duckett gives you the perfect basis to kickstart your career journey.
You can buy this book here.
2. HTML and CSS QuickStart Guide
Originally Published- 2021
Author- David Durocher
Description – This is a well-organized introductory-level HTML and CSS book. The book is ideal as a supplement to college-level learning or as a self-teaching resource on the subject.
It also includes code snippets that can be downloaded from the internet. These codes are simple to implement in your projects. Because the book is one of the most recent additions to the list, it includes HTML 5 in addition to HTML 4. The combination might be hard to find elsewhere. You can rely on the book for a comprehensive understanding of the subject in just 371 pages. It’s a great material to learn HTML for beginners.
You can buy this book here.
3. Head First HTML and CSS
Originally Published- 2012
Author- Elisabeth Robson, Eric Freeman
Description- Like all other ‘Head First’ books, this too is an introductory level book. It is a comprehensive guide suitable even for a complete newbie. The book provides information in little digestible chunks and is known as one of the best books for HTML.
The book has an easy-to-understand tone, which is perfect if you want to teach yourself HTML and CSS. There are plenty of exercises and puzzles in the book that helps practice the concepts. It teaches you the why and how of HTML in small, effective steps.
If you are a complete beginner, it is advisable to read the book cover to cover. Reading the whole of 768 pages sets you up nicely to work on web pages and even for further reading on the subject. The only drawback of the book is it has some errors. But don’t be dismayed by them as it still is one of the best HTML books for beginners.
You can buy this book here.
4. A Smarter Way to Learn HTML & CSS
Originally Published- 2015
Author- Mark Myers
Description- As the name suggests, the book endeavors to teach HTML and CSS and retain the information you gain throughout the book.
The author tries to achieve that by providing several exercises at the end of each chapter. Practice as you learn is the motto of the book.
The hands-on learning used in the book is very effective, as there is plenty of research to support the fact that you learn more when you practice what you know. A more innovative way to learn is through a three-book series, in which all the books follow the same hands-on approach to learning.
If you are serious about learning HTML, this book is an excellent place to start.
You can buy this book here.
5. Murach’s HTML5 and CSS3, 4th Edition
Originally Published- 2018
Author- Anne Boehm, Zak Ruvalcaba
Description -If you want to learn HTML5 from scratch in an organized way, Murach’s HTML 5 and CSS 3, 4th edition, is one of the best books you can get on the subject. If you are acquainted with other works in Murach’s series, you’ll be aware of their beginner-friendly approach with an easy-to-follow writing style. That makes the series such a hit amongst readers.
The book is divided into four self-explanatory sections:
Section 1. The essential concepts and skills.
Section 2. Web design and deployment.
Section 3. More HTML and CSS concepts as you need them.
Section 4. Other Professional Web Development Skills
Also, the book’s formatting is excellent as the texts are on the left and the examples and pictures are on the right. This makes it easier for complete newbies to grasp the concepts. Overall, this is the best HTML and CSS book.
You can buy this book here.
6. HTML5 and CSS3 All-in-One For Dummies 3rd Edition
Originally Published- 2014
Author- Andy Harris
Description- With over 1000 pages, HTML 5, and CSS3 All-in-One For Dummies, 3rd Edition is a comprehensive guide on the topic. It can be both a hands-on guide for a complete newbie and a next-level information provider for an intermediate one.
Packed with information, the book takes a hands-on approach to learning. Ample examples are provided to practice the concepts. Almost everything you need to know about HTML and CSS is readily available in the book. In addition to the extensive coverage of HTML 5 and CSS 3, the book is a complete package on full-stack, including JavaScript, backend (PHP), and database (MySQL).
As with most books of this length, you can skim through some topics like jQuery if you have some basic knowledge. However, it is advisable to read the book cover to cover for newbies.
You can buy this book here.
7. Beginning HTML5 and CSS3 For Dummies 1st Edition
Originally Published- 2013
Author- Ed Tittel, Chris Minnick
Description – If you are a beginner with no knowledge of web development, Beginning HTML5 and CSS3 For Dummies 1st Edition could be an ideal fit for you. It works as a perfect introduction to both HTML and CSS.
Even if you are not a complete beginner and just have been away from it for some time, this book can be a good refresher course. It teaches you the basics and provides you with enough theoretical knowledge of the subject. Conforming to the usual “for dummies” book standard, it is easy to understand, beginner-friendly, and engaging.
If you are a beginner, it is advisable to read the book cover to cover at a slow pace. At all costs, avoid rushing through. Working through the examples and exercises is another excellent idea for optimum utilization of the book.
You can buy this book here.
8. Responsive Web Design with HTML5 and CSS, 3rd edition
Originally Published- 2020
Author- Ben Frain
Description- This book provides a great introduction to the core concepts of both HTML and CSS with excellent working examples. With that being said, it also works as a reference book for the subject. You can count on it to upgrade your existing knowledge.
The book owes its versatility to the content it covers. The responsive web design section of the book is one of the best you can get your hands on the subject. The writing style and humor of the author make this a fun read. Although the book is still at an introductory level, it gives you a clear understanding of the core concepts. It provides enough explanation without drowning the reader in too much information.
As the book is one of the few to be published in 2020
, it covers the latest topics.
You can buy this book here.
9. Web Design Playground: HTML & CSS the Interactive Way 1st Edition
Originally Published- 2019
Author- Paul McFedries
Description- The Web Design Playground by Paul McFedries is an excellent book to learn HTML step-by-step. The author guides you from creating your first line of HTML to creating beautiful web pages.
The book contains four self-explanatory sections:
- Getting started with HTML and CSS
- Working with images and styles
- Laying out a web page
- Making your web pages shine
It teaches HTML and CSS simultaneously. The explanations are easy-to-grasp and thorough. The author does a phenomenal job of keeping the reader invested through the course of a dense book. The examples are concise and clear, with detailed explanations. Moreover, RWD tutorials come in handy while learning
It also comes with a tremendous online supplement. To learn HTML programming from scratch, this book is your go-to guide.
You can buy this book here.
10. HTML Pocket Reference
Originally Published- 2013
Author- Jennifer Robbins
Description- As the name suggests, HTML Pocket Reference is a quick reference book for HTML. It is not a comprehensive guide, and neither does it claim to be one. It is excellent for someone looking for a pocket reference to HTML while working on their projects.
The book contains an alphabetical listing of every attribute of HTML 5. So, if you are looking for a particular attribute in the topic, you can see it at a glance. With less than 200 pages in print, the book can be read over a weekend afternoon by anyone looking to refresh his/her HTML knowledge.
You can buy this book here.
Conclusion
HTML is far too broad a subject to cover in a single book. As a result, it is critical to select the appropriate HTML books based on your needs and prior knowledge. Murach’s HTML5 and CSS3 are popular among readers because they cover many relevant topics.
However, if you want to learn everything, there is to know about the subject, this will not suffice. It is best for a beginner to begin with a basic-level book and then progress to more advanced concepts.
Please let us know if we missed any of your favorite HTML and CSS books in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Question: Can I learn HTML for free?
Answer: Yes, there are many free online courses available. However, paid courses have much better quality and material.
Question: Can I learn HTML in 7 days?
Answer: You can learn the basics of HTML. For better understanding, you must practice regularly.
Question: What is HTML for beginners?
Answer: HTML is HyperText Markup Language. It is the most basic and foundational language in website development.
Question: Is HTML very easy?
Answer: HTML is easy to learn and understand.
Question: Can I get a job if I know HTML?
Answer: If you know HTML and CSS together, the chances of landing a job with good pay are possible. HTML alone can not help in fetching high-paying jobs.
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