"Marc Holzer and Richard W. Schwester have written a fresh and highly engaging textbook for the introductory course in Public Administration. Their coverage is both comprehensive and cutting-edge, including not only all the basic topics (organization theory, budgeting, human resource management, etc. ), but also reflecting new realities in public administration: innovations in e-government, the importance of new technology, changes in intergovernmental relations, especially the emphasis on inter-local and shared regional resources, and public performance and accountability initiatives. Public Administration has been crafted with student appeal in mind. Each of the book's chapters is generously illustrated with cartoons, quotes, and artwork--all reinforcing the book's theme that the field of public administration is rooted in the cultural and political world. Each chapter is also supported with a listing of key terms, exercises, and additional resources"--