Top 15 Best HTML/CSS Books in 2023 | Beginner to Pro

With legacies that date back to the early 1990s, it’s really impressive that in today's digital world, HTML/CSS books are still essential for anyone interested in learning about web development and design.

As the language of the Internet, HTML allows you to structure web content via elements, while learning CSS allows you to enhance the visual presentation of HTML elements, including customization via layouts, colors, and styles. 

By mastering HTML and CSS, you’ll be learning essential web development skills that are highly sought after by employers. And with average annual salaries exceeding $80K, learning HTML and CSS can be highly lucrative.

To help you on your learning journey, we’ve found the 15 best HTML/CSS books you need to read in 2023. Plus, with the constant evolution of web development, we’ve included a blend of evergreen resources and new releases to help you stay current.

So whether you’re an aspiring web developer that’s just starting out or a seasoned pro that wants to level up their CSS skills before trying out some of the best CSS frameworks, there’s something for you on this list. Let’s dive in!

Top 15 Best HTML/CSS Books in 2023

1. HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites

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Why we chose this book

When looking for the best books on HTML and CSS, our research showed this to be the #1 best seller for CSS programming on Amazon. This is unsurprising as the content is simple and engaging, with lots of infographics and high-quality photos, making it ideal for visual learners.

We should point out that while this is one of the older books on our list, the content is as relevant today as ever. It’s also a great way to refresh your CSS skills when preparing for CSS interview questions.

Expect to begin with an introduction to how the web works before diving into HTML topics like structure, lists, links, images, tables, forms, and more. The CSS sections of the book cover topics such as color, tables and forms, layout, images, and more. 

Overall, the explanations are concise and clear, with many code examples, not to mention a download link for all the code examples. Plus, you benefit from having an author with more than 15 years of professional experience working on web and mobile projects for companies like Phillips, Nike, and Xerox.

Features

• #1 best seller in CSS programming
• Includes many infographics for visual learners
• Concise and clear explanations
• Includes download link for code snippets

2. HTML & CSS QuickStart Guide

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Why we chose this book

As one of the best books for HTML and CSS, this is also the top seller for XHTML programming on Amazon. Based on our observations, this book’s popularity is well-deserved as it offers a well-organized and visually-rich learning experience featuring numerous examples and practice assignments.

Readers can expect comprehensive coverage of HTML and CSS topics, including HTML elements, typography, incorporating multimedia, the CSS box model, tables and lists, and responsive design. The book presents these concepts in a structured manner, allowing readers to progress smoothly through the material.

One notable advantage of purchasing this book is the accompanying lifetime access to valuable digital assets. This includes a website project for hands-on practice, a GitHub code repository for further exploration, cheat sheets for reference, and more..

Features

• #1 best seller in XHTML Software Programming Computer
• Ranked #2 best seller in CSS programming
• Includes many practice exercises

3. HTML and CSS: The Comprehensive Guide

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Why we chose this book

Ranked as the #1 new release in CSS programming on Amazon, expect to start with the basics of HTML syntax and document structure before covering semantic HTML, tables, hyperlinks, forms, interactive elements, and more. 

When you get to this book’s CSS section, the author begins with a concise history of CSS before covering the different types of CSS. He also explores essential topics like selectors, the box model, positioning, and responsive design using Flexbox and Grid. 

The inclusion of a section on the SASS (Syntactically Awesome Stylesheets) and SCSS (Sassy CSS) CSS preprocessors also demonstrates the author's dedication to equipping you with practical and efficient tools for CSS development. This is a solid option if you want the best book for HTML and CSS in 2023.

Near the end of the book, the author introduces you to JavaScript to provide a well-rounded learning experience for modern web development. Expect to learn about the Document Object Model (DOM), arrays, functions, objects, and more. This JavaScript intro complements your newly gained HTML and CSS knowledge, empowering you to create interactive and dynamic web experiences.

Features

• Ranked #1 new release in CSS programming
• Includes a section on CSS preprocessors
• Covers the latest features in HTML and CSS
• Includes a brief introduction to JavaScript

4. Head First HTML and CSS

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Why we chose this book

This excellent option follows the trademark of the “Head First” series, presenting concepts in a visually rich and interactive manner. And while it was published a while back, the evergreen content is highly relevant for HTML and CSS beginners, making it a strong contender for the title of the best book for learning HTML.

Our findings show that the content is presented in a reader-friendly manner with plenty of illustrations, diagrams, and real-world examples, making it more appealing to visual learners who appreciate a more immersive learning approach.

The authors cover the basics of HTML and CSS, teaching you how to create web pages and style them effectively. They also provide hands-on exercises, quizzes, and puzzles to help reinforce the concepts learned.

Expect to cover topics like layout, typography, colors, backgrounds, and working with tables and forms. This book also includes a brief history of the evolution of HTML/CSS.

At the end of the book, the authors also point readers to a range of resources that you can use to continue your web development journey, which is a nice touch. 

Features

• Comprehensive introduction to HTML/CSS
• Engaging and visually rich learning experience
• Numerous code examples
• Brief history of HTML/CSS

5. Get Coding!

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Why we chose this book

This is one of the best HTML CSS books for younger learners that want to learn web development, as it takes a hands-on approach to guide you through the fascinating world of HTML and CSS with engaging activities and clear instructions.

One of its strengths is its ability to break down complex concepts into digestible chunks, making them accessible to kids.

The book begins by introducing the basics of HTML, teaching you how to structure a webpage, and adding headings, paragraphs, and images. It then seamlessly transitions to CSS, demonstrating how to enhance the look and feel of web content by applying styles and creating beautiful layouts.

Throughout the book, colorful illustrations and vibrant examples bring the content to life and help capture the attention of younger readers. It also includes fun projects, like designing a web page or making a game, to foster creativity and encourage experimentation. 

The interactive nature of the book also allows you to immediately apply what you've learned, reinforcing your understanding through practical exercises. This book also emphasizes the importance of good coding practices and provides helpful tips throughout.

Features

• Hands-on approach to learning HTML and CSS
• Colorful illustrations and examples
• Encourages creativity through fun projects
• Breaks down complex topics into digestible chunks

6. CSS in Depth

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Why we chose this book

Based on our observations, this is one of the best CSS books for readers who want to deepen their understanding of CSS concepts and techniques.

We should point out that this book is not suitable for complete beginners as the author assumes readers already have basic knowledge of HTML/CSS.

The book begins with an overview of basic concepts like specificity, inheritance, relative units, and the box model. 

The next section focuses on mastering layouts, including responsive design, floats, and modern CSS features like Flexbox and Grid. Other topics covered in depth in this book include typography, animations, transitions, transforms, color, and more.

Features

• Requires basic knowledge of HTML/CSS
• Includes a video course companion
• Learn CSS best practices

7. Responsive Web Design with HTML5 and CSS

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Why we chose this book

This is ideal for front-end developers who want to improve their skills in responsive web design. Going through this book, you can expect to learn valuable skills to create aesthetically appealing web applications, as each chapter includes hands-on coding exercises to practice what you’ve learned.

Expect to learn the essentials of responsive web design, writing HTML markup, media queries, CSS Grid, Flexbox, animations, SVG, forms, and more.

The latest (fourth) edition of this book also covers the latest developments in responsive web design, including CSS functions, CSS layers, container queries, and nesting, making it one of the best books on CSS and HTML for modern web development.

Uniquely, this book also focuses on web accessibility, with the author adding a section to discuss Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This is a great way to up your UX and UI game!

Features

• Requires working knowledge of HTML/CSS
• Learn the latest cutting-edge CSS features
• Deep dive into responsive web design
• Includes sections on web accessibility

8. Murach's HTML5 and CSS3

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Why we chose this book

This HTML book for beginners provides a comprehensive introduction to HTML and CSS, including fundamental concepts, syntax, and best practices. 

Made up of two main parts, the first section of this book is dedicated to teaching readers how to build websites with HTML and CSS from scratch. Some topics covered in this section are HTML elements, the CSS box model, and media queries.

The second section includes CSS Grid and Flexbox, working with forms and data validation, CSS3 transforms, transitions, animations, and website deployment.

Our team also discovered that the book has companion files available for download from Murach’s website. To get the most out of this book, we recommend you download the companion files and go through further examples and exercises.

Features

• Covers the latest features in HTML5 and CSS3
• Suitable to use as a reference book
• Learn how to deploy a website
• Includes sections on using CSS frameworks

9. HTML, CSS & JavaScript in Easy Steps

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Why we chose this book

This is an excellent HTML book for beginners as it contains many coding challenges and exercises for readers to practice what they learn. Based on our observations, if you prefer hands-on learning, you will find this book really useful.

At nearly 500 pages in length, this book covers topics such as structuring web pages with HTML, managing text content, lists and tables, forms, the CSS box model, responsive design, and more.

Another benefit of this book is that it includes lessons on fundamental JavaScript concepts. Of course, we’re focusing on the best HTML/CSS books, but many developers gravitate towards learning JavaScript when they’ve mastered HTML and CSS. 

Features

• Step-by-step approach
• Hands-on examples 
• Includes many screenshots and diagrams
• Includes lessons on JavaScript

10. HTML, CSS, JavaScript All in One

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Why we chose this book

At 800 pages long, this HTML book offers a comprehensive guide for beginners that want to dive into web development. It even starts with a detailed overview of how the web functions and how HTML, CSS, and JavaScript work together. 

Our findings show that the lessons in the book are presented in a thorough, step-by-step manner, guiding readers through the basics of building web applications. The content covers various essential topics, including responsive web design, multimedia integration, forms, tables, navigation, and more.

While the book excels at catering to beginners with its in-depth explanations of basic concepts, its well-structured approach and practical examples make it a valuable resource for advanced learners.

Features

• In-depth explanation of concepts
• Detailed overview of how the web works
• Thorough, step-by-step lessons
• Comprehensive guide for beginners

11. Web Design Playground: HTML & CSS the Interactive Way

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Why we chose this book

This HTML and CSS book offers a unique and interactive learning experience for aspiring web designers, as it is supplied with a companion playground. This online workspace allows readers to dive into creating web applications without hassle.

Based on our observations, what sets this book apart is its focus on practical application. You'll start from the basics, learning HTML, CSS, and web page design, and then progressively build your skills through hands-on projects.

By the end of the book, you will have worked on 4 projects, including a personal homepage, a landing page, a photo gallery, and a portfolio page.

This book also covers topics like HTML and CSS fundamentals, working with images, color, and fonts, page layout techniques including Flexbox, responsive design principles, and more.

Drawing from our experience, we know this focus on project-based learning and the interactive workspace will equip you with the requisite skills to create attractive and responsive web pages.

Features

• Project-based learning approach
• Companion playground for interactive practice
• Clear explanations and full-color illustrations
• Covers HTML, CSS, and web design fundamentals

12. Basics of Web Design: HTML5 & CSS

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Why we chose this book

The book covers topics starting from the basics of HTML and CSS and progressing towards more advanced concepts like navigation design, CSS Grid and Flexbox, media queries, and incorporating media and interactivity in web development.

This book also features lessons on other crucial topics like file organization, domain name registration, web hosting, secure sockets layer (SSL), search engine optimization (SEO), and accessibility testing.

These topics can further enhance your understanding of the broader web development landscape, ensuring a well-rounded knowledge base.

Our analysis of the book also revealed that each chapter concludes with a "review and apply" section, summarizing the key concepts covered and offering exercises for practice. This feature reinforces learning and allows readers to actively engage with the material, solidifying their understanding and practical skills.

Features

• Well-rounded web development knowledge base
• “Review and apply” sections for reinforcement and practice
• Learn web publishing basics

13. HTML and CSS: Visual QuickStart Guide

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Why we chose this book

This is a great book to learn the ins and out of writing meaningful and well-structured HTML documents, including maintainable CSS code. 

We also discovered that the author employs visual aids, screenshots, and code examples to enhance the learning experience and make it more engaging. You also get access to an online version, which features supplementary videos, catering to those who prefer a visual learning approach.

Some of the topics covered in this book include HTML tags, CSS selectors, layout and positioning, styling text and images, creating forms, and establishing links. Our findings also show that it goes beyond the fundamentals, with sections on vital aspects of modern web development, such as performance optimization and accessibility. 

You’ll even explore concepts like version control and JavaScript libraries, providing a well-rounded understanding of the modern web development ecosystem.

Features

• Online version with supplementary videos
• Includes many visual aids and screenshots
• Covers performance, accessibility, and version control
• Learn how to deploy websites

14. CSS Pocket Reference

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Why we chose this book

Coming in at only 200 or so pages long, this may be the best CSS book for web developers and designers that want a concise and comprehensive guide to CSS.

One of this book's standout features is its organization and clarity, allowing you to quickly find the specific information you require. A great example is the way that Meyer presents CSS properties and selectors, as this is well-structured and easy to follow. 

Based on our observations, this pocket reference covers many CSS topics, from fundamentals like style precedence and positioning to advanced techniques like pseudo-elements and media queries. Practical examples and syntax references also accompany each topic. Overall, this book’s explanations are concise yet thorough, providing a solid understanding of each concept.

Features

• Concise and comprehensive CSS reference guide
• Portable and easily accessible format
• Well-organized content for quick navigation

15. Learning Web Design

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Why we chose this book

This HTML/CSS book offers a comprehensive exploration of modern web development technologies and principles by covering the essential topics that readers need for structuring web pages with HTML, including typography, links, images, and forms.

You’ll also delve into the art of styling web pages using CSS via essential concepts like layouts, the box model, colors, backgrounds, and even animations.

Throughout the book, each chapter presents exercises and short quizzes to reinforce understanding and provide practice opportunities. The fifth edition of the book keeps readers up to date with the latest features of CSS, such as Flexbox and Grid.

This book even has informative sections on important tools in web development like the command line, Git, and other modern tools. The author also explores the integration of JavaScript to add interactivity to web pages.

By emphasizing current best practices and industry standards, the book ensures that you gain valuable insights into designing websites that are modern, user-friendly, and accessible across various devices.

Features

• Covers CSS Grid and Flexbox in-depth
• Has lessons on the command line and Git
• Includes exercises and short quizzes
• Learn best practices and industry standards

How to Choose the Best HTML and CSS Books in 2023?

The Hackr.io community regularly submits tutorials and learning resources for HTML and CSS, which our editorial team rigorously evaluates for recommendations. We also considered the following while researching the best book to learn HTML and CSS:

Author’s credentials: We found authors with extensive experience in HTML and CSS and related fields. Our evaluations ensure that they have the necessary expertise to provide you with the knowledge you need.

Level of experience: Choose a book that aligns with your skill level. If you’re just starting out, look for beginner-friendly books. And if you’re an experienced web developer, a more advanced book might be a better fit. Our evaluation included books for all skill levels.

Reviews from previous readers: We evaluated first-person reviews from our community and from sites like Amazon. This provides valuable insights into the book’s strengths and weaknesses.

Preferred learning style: Some books are more hands-on with practical examples, while others take a more theoretical approach. Choose a book that matches your preferred style of learning.

Final Thoughts

As two of the original languages of the Internet, HTML and CSS are still essential skills for modern web development in 2023. One of the best ways to learn these essential web development skills is to look for some of the best books for CSS and HTML.

To help you find the right learning resources for your needs, this article has covered the 15 best HTML/CSS books you need to read in 2023. So whether you’re brand new to web development or an experienced dev that wants to enhance their skills, we’ve got you covered!

Want to take your CSS skills to new heights? Check out

The Difference between CSS, CSS2, and CSS3

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Learn HTML From a Book?

Yes, you can learn from HTML coding books. We’ve included some of the best books to learn HTML in this article for all skill levels, so look at these. We’d also recommend building some of the best HTML projects to reinforce and apply what you learn from HTML and CSS books.

2. Is HTML Better Than Python?

HTML and Python are very different languages with different purposes. HTML is a markup language used for structuring and presenting web content, while Python is a high-level programming language for developing applications and performing various other tasks, especially data-driven tasks like data science and analytics.

3. Is HTML Easy or Hard?

Generally speaking, HTML is considered one of the easiest languages to learn, especially for beginners, as it focuses on structuring web content rather than complex programming logic. That said, it does take time and practice to master advanced concepts and create more complex web pages.

4. What Should I Learn First, HTML or CSS?

We’d recommend starting with HTML since this forms the foundation of web development by defining the structure and content of a webpage. Once you have those skills, CSS is useful for styling and visually enhancing your HTML elements. If you need help getting started, this article covers 15 of the best books for CSS and HTML.

5. Which Is Better, HTML or CSS?

HTML and CSS are used for different, albeit complementary, purposes in web development. HTML provides the structure and content of a webpage, while CSS is used for styling and visual presentation. So it's not a question of one being better as they serve complementary roles in creating well-designed websites.

6. How Can I Strengthen My CSS Skills?

The best way to strengthen your CSS skills is to practice regularly by building different web layouts, experimenting with CSS properties, and exploring resources like online tutorials, documentation, and CSS-related projects.

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