The Cyberspace Handbook (Media Practice) - Practical Guide to New

In this review of The Cyberspace Handbook the bottom line is clear: this is a practical, single-volume introduction to how the internet and new media sit inside broader economic, political and cultural contexts. Written for students and researchers, the book combines conceptual overview with hands-on guidance, making it valuable for anyone who needs both theory and usable pointers for research, communication and publishing online. The review finds the handbook strongest as a classroom companion and a quick-reference guide to essential terms and web resources.

Key Features

• Comprehensive overview: The book maps economic, political, social and cultural contexts of cyberspace so readers gain a broad understanding of how the internet fits into society.
• Practical advice: It offers concrete guidance on using new technologies for research, communication and publication so learners can apply theory to real online tasks.
• Glossary of key terms: A glossary of over eighty entries helps demystify industry and academic jargon for newcomers and non-specialists.
• Curated web resources: A list of over ninety web resources directs readers to news, entertainment, development and reference sites that extend the book's content online.
• Specialist chapters: Dedicated chapters on web design and journalism provide focused, practical instruction for two common applications of new media skills.
• Illustrated examples: More than thirty illustrations of internet material and software applications clarify how tools and interfaces look in practice.

Who It's For

The Cyberspace Handbook is aimed at undergraduate students, early-stage researchers and practitioners who need a compact guide that links broad context with everyday digital practice. It is best for readers who want both conceptual framing and a pathway to useful online resources rather than a narrowly technical manual.

Those seeking deep, up-to-the-minute technical tutorials or specialist coding textbooks should look elsewhere, because this handbook prioritizes context, terminology and practical guidance over exhaustive software instruction or advanced programming examples.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear contextual framing makes the social and political implications of cyberspace accessible to non-specialists.
• The glossary of over eighty terms is handy for study and quick reference.
• Curated lists of web resources save time when looking for reputable online material across several categories.
• Specialist chapters and illustrations translate abstract ideas into practical steps for web design and online journalism.

Cons

• Not a substitute for in-depth technical manuals, so readers wanting advanced development or coding instruction will need additional texts.

Specifications

Title	The Cyberspace Handbook (Media Practice)
Authors / Brand	Jason Whittaker, James Curran
Content focus	New media, information technologies and the internet
Includes	Glossary, web resources, specialist chapters, illustrations
Glossary size	Over eighty key terms
Web resources	Over ninety curated links for news, development, education and reference
Illustrations	Over thirty examples of internet material and software

Our Verdict

The Cyberspace Handbook is a useful classroom and reference resource for students and early-career researchers who need an accessible synthesis of theory and practice. It pairs clear conceptual chapters with a helpful glossary and curated web links, offering good value for readers who want a compact, practical guide rather than a technical deep dive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book explain practical web design basics?
Yes. It contains a specialist chapter on web design that outlines core concepts and practical steps suitable for beginners.

Is the glossary useful for beginners?
Absolutely. The glossary of over eighty key terms clarifies jargon and helps readers follow academic and professional discussions about the internet.

Will it teach advanced programming or development?
No. The handbook provides practical advice and curated resources but is not a substitute for advanced technical manuals or programming textbooks.