Macromedia Fireworks MX Fast & Easy Web Development

The book is good for me because it's like I'm actually in a class and being instructed by an instructor. Yes, this is basic. But it is just what I need to learn "the basics" of Fireworks in a logical and useful manner. Maybe the screenshots are small (as noted by the previous reviewer) - but if you follow along (using the downloadable chapter material from the website link that is still valid), then the small illustrations aren't as much an issue since you're looking at a much larger hands-on version (which is what you want to do anyway to pick up the concepts and retain them longer). This book is proving to be the perfect stepping stone into other Fireworks publications that go into greater detail. That's because I'm able to build a logical and easy-to-remember foundation for the tools and concepts in Fireworks MX. If you're a beginner or just getting started with Fireworks MX, you'll be able to cover the "basics" quickly. There are only 300 pages of "tutoring" and with the downloadable material, large print size, generous screenshots, and helpful "tips", you'll be confidently using Fireworks in about 4-15 hours (depending on your comprehension speed and technique). I would highly recommend this book and then follow it up with "Special Edition Using Macromedia Fireworks MX" by Jeffrey Bardzell (ISBN: 0789727269).

I found the book follows a good logical progression for learning the basics of Dreamweaver MX and Web design in general. However, there are many screen shots through the book for following the examples of which you literally meed a microscope - I have good eyesight and could not make out most of the microscopic text. This is a BIG disappointment, otherwise a great book.