Hardboiled Web Design

28th October 2010

Last week, what I consider to be an important new book was finally released. A timely overview of all things HTML and CSS, with added common sense and revolutionary calls to action, Hardboiled Web Design by Andy Clarke is an absolute must-read. Here’s why.

The latest book from the always excellent Five Simple Steps, Andy’s Hardboiled Web Design is—in my opinion—a landmark text for our industry. I was fortunate to read it at various stages of its development, in tandem with regular exasperated telephone updates from the author. From day one, I knew Andy was aiming for something ambitious, and let me tell you: he’s nailed this thing.

A start-studded supporting cast

It has a foreword from Jeffrey Zeldman, and a preface from my good self (an honour to be asked). It has been masterfully edited by the always switched-on lanky death-metal freak Chris Mills, meticulously tech-edited by that Belgian fellow Tim Van Damme, and expertly copy-edited by Owen Gregory. It features an incredible cover from the mighty Kevin Cornell, inner illustrations from the hair-tastic Elliot Jay Stocks, plus further artwork and photography from the remotely-situated Geri Coady. Now, whichever way you look at that, it’s quite an impressive line-up.

A labour of love

This book was a labour of love for Andy. Few care so passionately about how and why we make the decisions we do with our websites as he does. Andy has toured these ideas and observations around conferences for two years or more. He’s fact-checked the ass off everything by consulting and confirming with his fellow designers to ensure his roadmap carries with it integrity and accuracy.

This book breaks things down logically, strips out the crap, and focuses on clarity, with stunning examples and engaging case studies. This book tells you how and where to use the latest ideas and methodologies, right now. Spend just a few minutes skimming through this thing and its value is obvious. Start reading it properly, and you’ll be hooked.

A wealth of formats

It’s available to download as a PDF, and pre-order as a printed copy. There’s also a super-sexy limited edition printed version with a wonderful poster, and it’ll also be available in ePub format, and as a bespoke iPad app in the near future. Hell, if you ask him nicely, he might even come ‘round to your house and act the thing out in the medium of dance. All bases are covered.

Disclosure: I am friends with the folks at Five Simple Steps. I am a bloody good friend of Andy Clarke. I also wrote the preface for this book. I still think it’s an incredible text and worth your every penny. Don’t doubt me, just buy it. Now.

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