Responsive Web Design, Second Edition

Oh. Hello.

So as it happens, I wrote a book. It came out over three years ago. It was called Responsive Web Design.

And today, there’s a second edition available.

There’s an interview with me at A List Apart that explains the scope of the new edition, and talks about various other things responsive. But if you’re wondering what’s in the new edition? Well, quite a bit. In fact, inside each copy of the second edition—whether an ebook, printed, or both!—you’ll find a little note from me, right up front, that’ll also answer your question.

Here’s my introductory letter in full as, well, I think the whole thing’s relevant:

Oh. Hi. It’s great to see you again.

In this latest edition of Responsive Web Design, you’ll find a whole host of changes: updated figures, fixed links, and a truckload of little corrections.

But ultimately, the three main ingredients of a responsive design—flexible grids, fluid images, and media queries—are as relevant today as they were when I first coined the phrase. So while the structure of the book hasn’t changed that much, I think you’ll agree there are a lot of significant edits throughout. Also, in the years since this book was first published, designers, agencies, and large organizations alike have been producing stellar responsive designs, pushing the concept forward. At every relevant opportunity, I’ve included their work, writings, and research.

One thing hasn’t changed, though. You see, when I wrote an article about something called responsive web design a few years ago, I didn’t think for a second I’d be lucky enough to write a book on the topic. (Much less write another edition of it.) In other words: I’m still very humbled by the attention the idea of responsive design has gotten. But I’m also thankful because, well, that attention’s due to you. Thanks for asking such great questions over email, for the feedback on Twitter, for recommending the book to your friends, and for building such wonderful responsive sites. This new edition wouldn’t have been possible without your help. Even if you’re reading this book for the first time, your interest in responsive design helped make this edition possible.

Thank you so, so much for reading my book. As I said the last time around, I can’t wait to see what you’ll make with it.

— Ethan

PS The line about the pirate hat has not been edited in any way, as it was contributed by my wife, who continues to be much funnier and smarter than I am.

I meant what I said: I never thought I’d be writing a book about responsive design, much less a second edition. The only reason this post even exists is, well, entirely thanks to you.

So, thanks. Really. From the bottom of my heart, thanks: thanks for reading, for emailing, for tweeting, for questioning, for building, for designing. The only reason “responsive design” is a thing is because you all got impossibly, incredibly excited about it.

Thanks for letting me be part of it all.

I can’t wait to see what you build next.