Author makes a good point from the start. He notes that since the web public will take time to convert to XML-ready browsers, all works should be converted to HTML until technologies play a catch-up. Author's method for this HTML conversion is done through a Microsoft-DOS based utility called "MSXSL." Well, Guess what? Microsoft has taken this tool off the market, probably to promote it's Internet Explorer 5.0 browser which has built-in XML parser. But without the "MSXSL" examples starting from chapter 2 are not possible. It's a pity, since his writing on XML are well written. But it's just too hard to overcome the frustration of not being able apply your knowledge. I will return this book and use the money to buy a book with examples of IE5 - the 'bleeding' edge of technology.

I've enjoyed ERH's JavaBeans book and both his Cafe au Lait (Java) and Cafe con Leche XML News and Resources web sites. So maybe I was predisposed toward liking his XML book. However, it stands on its own merit. ERH begins with a history of XML (very useful for newcomers) and gradually takes you from just a sprinkle of XML to a detailed examination of the syntax, much like the better traditional programming texts. Harold's writing is clear and concise. He presents quite a bit about XSL (Extensible Style Language, not even a Working Draft at the time of this writing, so expect the details to change). Very good coverage of DTDs and XLink/XPointer. Throughout the book, he gives you an idea of best practices. If you are a programmer or web developer about to use XML, buy this book! (Managers would probably prefer the Goldfarb/Prescod XML Handbook.)

After reading several dismal XML books (including The XML Handbook), XML by Elliotte Harold is by far the most concise and thorough study of XML I have read to date. This book will take a reader from XML fundamentals to developing XML applications. The topics covered in depth are XML, XSL, and DTDs.

The book covers the topic of XML and related technologies in a clear and concise manner. Focusing on actual relevant examples, Harold demonstrates how XML is used and how to begin thinking in an XML perpective. The emphasis on actual usage and thinking in XML is the primary advantage of this book.

The Quick Reference and Appendices alone are well worth the cost of the book. Rarely do I see a text where I read the 300 or so pages of text and am then able to immediately understand everything in the Quick Reference. This is a testament to Harold's lucid teaching style. Good description, useful applications, clear explanations, reinteration of critical points, and good summarizations are the halmarks of this excellent work.