This accessible introduction looks at the history, trends, and future of each segment of the entertainment industry, and career options and training opportunities in each segment. Sections cover electronic media, arts and leisure (including theme parks), recreation (including shopping), interactive entertainment (gambling and video games), and communication as entertainment (publishing and event planning). Each chapter includes profiles of the daily lives of people currently working in the industry, plus a list of career resources such as associations, trade publications, and web sites. The book is designed as an introductory text for entertainment courses and as an overview of the industry for those looking to pursue careers in the field. Stein and co-author Beth Bingham Evans teach in the Department of Communications at California State University. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)