This comprehensive guide to desktop publishing using Pagemaker serves several purposes. It starts with the elements of design, devoting 85 pages to this topic. The next 70-odd pages describe design portfolios, from simple flyers to sophisticated magazine layouts. This section is profusely illustrated and introduces almost all the terms of the art. The authors draw the reader’s attention to factors that improve or reduce the effectiveness of a design.

The next 50-odd pages are Pagemaker-specific, going over the programs menus, toolboxes, and so on. Almost every page has a “tip” box that suggests a shortcut or warns of potential pitfalls.

The rest of the book, more than 200 pages, is devoted to ten hands-on projects, which range from a simple certificate to working with color and graphics. The last project deals with online publishing on the World Wide Web. The authors provide step-by-step instructions for each project. They cover the use of Adobe Acrobat to convert file formats, and discuss the HTML Author program.

The book ends with a rich glossary and a comprehensive index. Like previous editions, this one provides the right blend of software-specific information and good  design  practice. The addition of a CD-ROM containing text files and templates for all the projects, a full working version of Acrobat Reader, and demonstration versions of several other programs, such as Pagemaker 6.0 and Photoshop 3.0.5, makes this book useful for both new and experienced users of Pagemaker.