The first problem you face when reviewing a Linux reference title is that you know youre on to a loser.

Sometimes a book gets everything right, including the back cover bumpf. The Complete Reference: Web Design is a fine example - flip the book over and youre promised all you need to plan, build, and maintain dynamic Web sites that balance form and function.

As regular readers are already aware, Im not too keen on books that supposedly teach complex and technical subjects in a short period of time. The reason is simple - 99 per cent of the time it isnt feasible for the average punter.

This is another one of those doorstop Wrox titles in the Programmer to Programmer series. Its no surprise then that its not just another overview of the Internet business revolution, nor a business school primer for the would-be e-entrepreneur.