Author: Cory Webb
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 2009
Pages: 312
ISBN: 978-0470438534
Aimed at: Those beginning to use Joomla
Rating: 3
Pros: Handy reference
Cons: Doesn't go far enough
Reviewed by: Mike James

Although this book is subtitled "Web Site Development" it really is about using the Joomla CMS without much "development". Much of the book is a description of what each of the menu options is for and how to make use of them. Mostly the book doesn't stray from the obvious and if you are coping with setting up a Joomla site then you probably don't need to read it. Nearly all of the information listed can be found on the Internet but of course having it in a handy book form might make it more worthwhile. Don't expect it to take you anywhere deep or complicated and while it does get to the task of creating a custom template it doesn't really do the idea justice. It provides you with just enough information to get you into trouble!

If you are planning to create your own templates then you need a more advanced book than this. As long as you are looking for a very introductory guide to how to push Joomla's buttons then you might well find this book of some use.