got:
an outdate but thorough explanation of digital prepress written like a stereo manual. Alot of things were left unexplained and the writing was repetitive due to the "poket guide" style i suppose.
While i did learn some tips and got some detail (sometimes much more than i needed) the material is needs alot of updating. Some areas were better written and fully explained than others and the use of diagrams and tables was OK but they did not tie in well with the text..they would just appear.

One other BIG complaint is the horrible quality of the diagrams and the fact that they were all in black and white/greyscale. How can you try to explain color processing and printing using black and white diagrams?

Bottom line:
may make a good quick reference for older processes, but does not do a great job at emplaining some important stuff.
The author needs to update the material and GET COLOR into the book, even if it's just some pages with color plates. also he needs to use a better drawing program to illustrate points, b/c it looks like he used MS Word's drawing tools.

9 of 9 found the following review helpful:


Cutting Edge 8 Years Ago  Aug 20, 2004 By G. Hurtt "Artful Dodger"
Right on in 1996; eight years ago. But with technologies changing so rapidly, that's a long time without an update. I'd like to hear from Mr. Romano now. I'm receiving a certificate in digital prepress in December. It would be helpful to know where things are now in my chosen field of endeavor and where he thinks they are going.

16 of 24 found the following review helpful:


It covers virtually every aspect of digital prepress process  Feb 17, 1999
A compact yet weighty volume covering virtually every aspect of the digital prepress process. The author provides an historical base for the latest technologies. This authoritative work, written by renowned expert Frank Romano, provides a clear and understandable treatment of the technology applied to each step in the prepress process.

6 of 7 found the following review helpful:


All what you need to know  Jun 08, 2002 By abed al hafiz Baydoun
I started a graphic design Department out of my love for design and printing, but I had no knowledge of the "REAL" Graphic Art Business until I read this Book. It has all the information you need starting from working your files on the computer, how to save them, problems encountered with saving files in the wrong format, as well as information on AM and FM screening, dot gain, banding, exposure,... and all the information one needs to know about the business and ART of Digital printing. If you are a biginner or a professional, this book will satisfy you since it has all the answers to your "UNASWERED" questions. It will guide you through all the process as well as the "SECRETS" of Prepress. This is a MUST READ AND HAVE BOOK.