The purpose of this single-volume reference work is “to offer a comprehensive set of articles in the field of new venture management—or entrepreneurship” (xxi). The editor’s goal is “to increase understanding for scholars, practitioners, educators, and students alike” (xxi). The publisher’s goal is to explore new venture management skills, “along with the potential risks and rewards and environmental settings and characteristics” (Sage promotional website (www.sagepub.com/booksProdDesc.nav?prodId=Book235458). The book contains 193 entries written by over 125 contributors described as leading academic experts on their specific topics. Most come from universities worldwide.

The entries vary from two to six pages and vary in subject matter from theoretical (human capital theory) to practical (insurance). They are arranged alphabetically. Some, such as accounting, have several subheadings such as financial statements and cash budgeting while others, such as championing corporate ventures, are not subdivided. Other topics are broken into two or three entries such as entrepreneurship education (graduate programs, high school, and undergraduate programs). Entrepreneurs in several industries are also covered (entertainment, food, media, technology, etc.). The text of each entry is followed by the contributor’s name and affiliation, see also references, and a range from two to fifteen suggestions for further reading. The latter are in addition to what is included in the resource guide at the end of the book. Black and white photographs are interspersed throughout the text.

Front material includes an alphabetical list of entries, from accounting to work-life balance, and a reader’s guide that groups the entries into broad subject categories such as entrepreneurial characteristics and skills, gender and minority entrepreneurship, innovation, small business management, and social entrepreneurship. A short biography about the editor is followed by an alphabetical list of contributors and their affiliations. The introduction contains a synopsis of the study of entrepreneurship and the growth of the academic field. A chronology from 1790 through 2012 is also included. A glossary appears at the end of the book as well as the resource guide of 52 books, 50 journal titles, and 22 websites. The appendix reviews the content of four additional websites: the Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship at the Duke University Fuqua School of Business, the European Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, New Ventures: Entrepreneurship, Environment, Emerging Media, and the World Entrepreneurship Forum. An excellent index concludes the volume.

This reference work is a fine blend of practical information and venture management/entrepreneurship theory. The presentation is straightforward and would be accessible to high school seniors as well as academic students and scholars and corporate venture managers. Because there is so much growth in this field, this latest one-volume work should be useful and is offered at a reasonable price. The format is pleasant and easy to use. Although the book itself gives no indication of online access, the Sage website lists it as part of the Sage Online Reference Collection. As a side note, for those wishing a larger reference work (300) entries available in print and online, Springer-Verlag plans, in July 2013, to publish a four-volume work, Encyclopedia of Creativity, Invention, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. However, this volume is recommended as the latest available for now, particularly for those libraries with a limited budget.