Having purchased the Kindle version of this title at the same time as the print versions of the author's "Web Designer's Idea Book vols 1 and 2", I can say that this handbook offers much more than fodder for a coffee table.
Not that the Kindle Fire would make coffee table fodder at all...
Yet, for those wanting a glimpse at the web design process with some useful tips for client care; the rationale for web design fundamentals and options for execution, this book will serve admirably. Of particular interest, were the explanations of the basic web design canvass, the focus on Photoshop, and the case for the use of grids - plus links to useful resources in the latter's regard.
This handbook is certainly illustrated, but not overly so to my surprise. Its focus is indeed, web design discussion, not art.
Along these lines, the book contains two exceptional appendices written by external authors - focusing on the centrality of WordPress as a design medium, and the theory of DPI respectively. A thorough glossary rounds things off.
Accordingly, this book is far from one for the display category. That said, those somewhat experienced in web design and looking for more meat in the processes, will want to look elsewhere.