Although some parts of the XML is still very liquid, useful XML Pocket Reference offers quick access to and use of syntax rules of the next generation language. At the front of the book, a crash course in XML quickly spells out important terminology, along with examples of very short XML, Document Type Definition (DTD), and Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) document. The end titled, offering "unlearning Bad Habits" useful reminder that very useful for us who occasionally slip into sloppy HTML coding behaviors that XML will not tolerate. The rest of the title consists of the reference section devoted to XML, DTD, XSL, XLink, and XPointer. The author is very up-front about the changing nature of XSL, XLink, and XPointer, and shows that even the material they have just published on this subject will soon expire. You will not find big-picture look at the importance or the application of XML in the real world Plain. - Stephen W Topics covered: an overview of XML, well-formed XML rules, using elements and attributes, syntax and usage reference to XML, DTD, XSL, XLink, XPointer.