Starting with an introductory overview, the book goes on to explain XML fundamentals. Next there is a guide to parsing XML, first with SAX and then with the DOM (Document Object Model). XPath queries get a short chapter, followed by a look at XSLT transformations. After that comes validation against DTD's (Document Type Definitions), sending and receiving XML over the Internet, and Python Web Services. Finally, a detailed example explains how to use Python in a distributed XML application.

Both authors are professional Python developers and their book successfully covers the essentials. However, they do a poor job of explaining XML itself and newcomers will want something like XML in a Nutshell alongside this title. With lots of commented code examples, Python and XML has a hands-on feel, making it a sound and practical guide. --Tim Anderson