A great selection of well formed CSS websites taken from a greater collection which are all posted online.  The authors review the CSS examples, and then analyze the principals of design the site demonstrates.  Each example is reverse engineered and readers can learn the tricks of leading CSS developers - with good taste!

The Zen of CSS Design: Visual Enlightenment for the Web (Voices That Matter)

The authors clearly exposes the need for CSS to be taken seriously by graphic artists. The Zen Garden, publishers of the book, aim to excite, inspire, and encourage participation in their online submission program. To begin, designers view existing designs in an online collection. The text and HTML code remain the same for each example.  The only programming to change is the external CSS file.

So you understand a bit more, CSS allows complete and total control over the style of an online document. The best way to illustrate this principal is by demonstrating what can truly be, once the reins are placed in the hands of those able to create beauty from structure. Up to this date, most CSS based websites and other examples of tricks and hacks have been demonstrated by programmers & coders. The Designers have yet to make their mark in this arena, and the author feels this needs to change.

For a Graphic Artist to participate they understand strong CSS skills are necessary.  The example files are well commented, so even CSS novices can use them as starting points. The authors encourage use of the CSS Resource Guide for advanced tutorials and tips on working with CSS.  You can also visit the Zen Garden and see these examples of pure design.

The author was encouraged by participation in the online invitation and as a result published a book of the best samples.  To my knowledge the program continues today - with new CSS designed sites being added almost daily!  Why should a designer or graphic artist participate? For recognition, inspiration, and as an open source resource everyone can refer to when arguing for CSS-based design. This support of CSS is sorely needed.

The Zen of CSS Design: Visual Enlightenment for the Web (Voices That Matter)

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