Richard Sharf goes beyond simply presenting theory to show the reader how to apply the principles in a counseling setting, making this book useful for both practicing counselors and counselors-in-training. Sharf covers three major theoretical areas (trait and type, life-span, and special-focus theories) in Parts I-III, then discusses theoretical integration in Part IV, with each theory providing a unique perspective on career development. The book also offers numerous case examples, discusses career testing from a practical and theoretical perspective, and integrates labor-market information with career theory. In addition, this book has been praised for having a clear writing style, useful case examples, and material included throughout on diversity. This book also provides a comprehensive discussion and integration of career development theories. The instructor's manual assists the beginning professor with an opportunity to impart quality pedagogical knowledge to students. The examples cited throughout the text offer students an opportunity ingest the course material and retain their newly found knowledge. The author makes learning career theories enjoyable and very applicable to situations.