The work of Erving Goffman has had an enormous impact throughoutthe social sciences. Yet his writings have not received thedetailed scrutiny which they deserve.This new book is the first comprehensive and accessible accountof Erving Goffman's contributions, ranging in its scope from hisvery earliest work right up to the projects upon which he wasengaged at the time of his death. Goffman's writings, Manningargues, are much more systematic and conceptually powerful than isordinarily acknowledged. The book thus offers a defence ofGoffman's writings as well as providing an introduction for thosewho have no prior acquaintance with Goffman's ideas.
