Chapter three, "Texture," describes what the author calls the most overlooked part of web design. Textures are the key to making your website stand out. By understanding how the individual elements function, you will learn how to use lines and shapes to communicate your message more effectively on a number of levels. Texture is all about giving a distinctive appearance to the surface design of your site

Chapter four, "Typography," focuses on what could be the most important part of your web design. Type is everywhere and understanding the mechanics of the written language is essential for any visual designer. You will explore the various typeface distinctions as well as understanding the basics of the letterform. The main purpose of your site is to communicate. Good typography is what lures your visitor in to reading your content.

Chapter five, "Imagery," will show you how to integrate images and illustrations into your web design. You will learn what to look for in the visual elements that are used on your pages — what is needed to find the right image, how to mask, crop, and create borders the will help not only convey the site's message, but even help in its branding.

I have got to be honest with you — I knew that this book was going to be good before I ever saw it. It came out in January 2007 and by the time I tried to get a copy, it was sold out and on its second printing! The copy I have is from the late March run. It is that good!

Jason Beaird covers web design in a way that non-designers can understand. He walks you through all of the aspects of design development from initial meeting to finished product. If you are just getting into web development, this is a must read. Heck, it is a must read if you have been doing development for twenty years — especially if you are still putting the marquee and blink tags in your design!

I highly recommend this book.