Mentor in a Manual is an excellent resource for untenured faculty, as well as for senior faculty who advise their junior colleagues. It enables new faculty to set goals for becoming the types of professionals they envision, and stresses professional ethics and integrity. It provides ready reference to the types of inspirational lists that faculty might copy and post on their bulletin boards, such as "The Hallmarks of Leadership," "The Hallmarks of Character," "The Ten Commandments of Tenure," and "Seven Principals for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education." One of the strengths of Mentor in a Manual is that this book-mentor states openly things that most faculty mentors would probably leave unsaid, and what most untenured professors would probably not risk asking. It addresses such issues as how faculty dress for class, whether or not personal relationships with students are okay, how late into the evening a faculty member should stay in the office, how to find a balance between family and professional life, whether or not to insist upon being called "Dr.", etc.

Mentor in a Manual is not without its flaws, and some may perceive its continual emphasis on "knowing the territory" as a drive towards conformity. The authors state: "Whether you opt to conform is up to you, in most situations, but your response will say something" (p. 144). Several references to certain types of institutions as "wannabe" institutions seemed unfortunately derogatory. And, the few pages devoted to technology in the teaching and research processes (pp. 130-132), while timely in 1994, should be updated if a new edition is completed.

On the whole, however, Mentor in a Manual is a courageous and successful effort at demystifying the tenure and promotion process. The language is straightforward and highly readable, and the format is clear and well-organized. Mentor in a Manual would make an excellent addition to the libraries of untenured faculty in any discipline, of faculty development centers, and of senior faculty mentors. Those nearing the end of their graduate studies and considering entering the world of the professional academician would also benefit from Mentor in a Manual’s sound advice and self-assessment tools.